Journal of paediatrics and child health
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J Paediatr Child Health · Nov 2006
Caring for adolescents with mental health problems: challenges in the emergency department.
To explore management issues in adolescents with mental health problems who presented to a children's hospital emergency department (ED). ⋯ Adolescent mental health presentations to the ED require a high number of ED, mental health and inpatient service resources. Security incidents occur frequently. We propose changes to address identified problems. These include redesigning the physical structure of the ED, more mental health training and support for ED staff, better access to mental health records and crisis plans for adolescents at risk, and improved after-hours mental health services for children and adolescents.