Predisposition of Emergency Department Nurses to Handle Psychiatric Emergencies

Background: This study examines the readiness of emergency department (ED) nurses to manage psychiatric emergencies, addressing critical gaps in theoretical understanding and practical skills among ED registered nurses when managing mental health patients (MHP), which can lead to mismanagement, misdiagnosis, staff avoidance, and unfavorable outcomes. Methods: A quantitative, cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted in the Al-Chouf and Aley regions of Mount Lebanon. Using random sampling methodology, 57 licensed registered nurses were recruited from six hospitals. Data collection employed a validated 22-question online questionnaire adapted from the validated Georgia State University scale, “The Healthcare Professional Perception Survey: Assessing Awareness and Recognition of Patient Manifestations” using a 5-point Likert scale. Data analysis utilized descriptive statistics including frequencies and percentages. Appropriate hospital administrative approvals and Institutional Review Board approvals were obtained, ensuring informed consent and participant confidentiality. Results: Among 57 ED nurses, 49.1% felt uncomfortable assisting MHP compared to those with physical illness, and 47.3% expressed fear about providing such care. While most participants demonstrated competence in recognizing psychiatric conditions (56.1%) and identifying psychotropic medications (64.9%), significant training gaps were evident with 51.2% reporting inadequate preparation for psychiatric patient oversight and 47.4% citing insufficient institutional support. Regarding clinical decision-making, 42.1% lacked confidence in autonomous decision-making, (33.3%) showed agreement on deviating from standard practices when necessary for patient well-being. Conclusions: The study highlights the challenges in psychiatric emergency care, such as lack of dedicated areas, limited comorbid assistance, discomfort, medication skepticism, and training inadequacies, suggesting specialized training, ED restructuring, and improved patient understanding.