Survey of California Emergency Departments About Practices for Management of Suicidal Patients and Resources Available for Their Care

The resources available & current practice for the treatment of patients with suicide ideation or attempts in California emergency departments was determined through a mail & e-mail survey of the directors of all 346 emergency departments. 223 responses were received. Overall, the mean estimate of the proportion of emergency department visits by suicidal patients was 1.7%. 23% of respondents reported they occasionally sent patients with suicide ideation home without an evaluation by a mental health professional. No single type of mental health professional was available for evaluations in more than 50% of respondent emergency departments. Only 27% of respondents had the ability to admit patients to a psychiatric service in their hospital. Regional solutions to emergency & nonemergency mental health problems are needed. (31 refs.)