Patients accept screening for mental health and substance use disorders while ED clinicians support only if able to refer

Mental health and substance use disorder (MHSUD) visits to the emergency department (ED) are frequent and increasing [1-5]. The ED is often the first contact for patients with MHSUD [6], and provides an opportunity for screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment [7]. Universal screening for MHSUD in the ED has proven controversial. The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) has argued that MHSUD screening, particularly for suicidal ideation, should only occur if there are sufficient resources for screening and outpatient referrals [8].

Source: The American Journal of Emergency Medicine - April 7, 2020 Category: Emergency Medicine Authors: Sacha A. McBain, Eva Woodward, Brooke E. Palmer, Sara J. Landes, Michael P. Wilson Source Type: research