Frequent Mental health and Addiction related Emergency Department Visits: Perspectives from Healthcare Providers

Background: Rising mental health and addiction (MHA) related emergency department (ED) visits has been reported as a contributing factor for ED crises and increased healthcare costs. Studies on the issues have largely focused on patients’ perspective, while as another side of the phenomenon, healthcare providers’ (HCPs) experiences have been less researched. The purpose of this study was to explore the perspectives of HCPs on the issues. Methods: In this qualitative research, data collection involved semi-structured individual interviews. Thematic analysis approach was utilized in data analysis. Results: Six HCPs from diverse disciplines participated in this qualitative study. Four major themes emerged from the data analysis: (a) social determinants of mental health (housing crisis and financial problems); (b) structural barriers (overstimulation and not a priority in ED, inadequate knowledge and training among HCPs, lack of detox facilities, stigma from HCPs, shortages of HCPs); (c) suggestions for prevention (more funding/ resources and early childhood education) and (e) HCP’s response to working with patients (making a difference and rewarding). Conclusions: The study revealed that low socio-economic status and limited availability of community services were major factors for frequent MHA-related ED visits. All levels of governments, communities, and HCPs, especially nurses, should work together to better understand the complex needs of individuals with MHA disorders, and develop and implement effective interventions, ultimately reduce MHA-related ED recidivism.