The Impact of COVID-19 on United States Emergency Departments

Behavioral emergencies in the U.S. have been on the rise over the past decade, with some studies even reporting a doubling in the number of people experiencing symptoms related to mental health conditions, although overall visits to U.S. EDs decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic. The uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic caused many people to avoid healthcare facilities, including emergency departments, even if they may have otherwise sought emergency care, and was associated with increases in new behavioral health diagnoses. Measures to limit the spread of COVID-19 also led to people limiting their in-person contact with others, likely exacerbating preexisting mental health issues. As a result, the changes in ED patient volumes that have occurred throughout the pandemic have both brought on financial challenges for healthcare facilities and highlighted the importance of addressing mental health care needs through alternative means. In addition, many healthcare professionals working in emergency department have been emotionally challenged by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Source: The Psychiatric Clinics of North America - Category: Psychiatry Authors: Source Type: research