Characteristics and outcomes of patient presentations to the emergency department via police: A scoping review

Wardrop, Rachel; Ranse, Jamie; Chaboyer, Wendy; Crilly, Julia

doi:10.1016/j.auec.2023.01.004

Cited by 5 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 51 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…2,4 Some research on the provision of healthcare in short-term custody settings has been completed internationally, 11,12,14,15 but there is a paucity of information about the management of detainees once transferred to the ED. 4,16 The present study aimed to understand ED doctors' perceptions of the appropriateness of detainee transfers from police watch-houses to the ED, and to explore their experiences and perceptions of management of detainees in the ED.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Supporting equitable care of patients transferred from police watch‐houses to the emergency department: A qualitative study of the perspectives of emergency doctors

Brandenburg,

Thomas,

Lincoln

et al. 2024

Emerg Medicine Australasia

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

ObjectivePeople detained in short‐term police custody often have complex health conditions that may necessitate emergency care, yet little is known about their management in EDs. The present study aimed to understand ED doctors' experiences and perceptions regarding the appropriateness and management of detainee transfers from police watch‐houses to the EDs.MethodsA qualitative descriptive study, using semi‐structured interviews undertaken with ED doctors working in five purposively sampled EDs across Queensland, Australia. Data were analysed using inductive content analysis.ResultsFifteen ED specialists and trainees participated. Participants reported that their overarching approach was to provide equitable care for watch‐house detainees, as they would for any patient. This equitable approach needed to be responsive to complicating factors common to this population, including presence of police guards; restraints; complexity (physical/mental/social) of presentation; reliance on police to transport; ED doctors' often limited understanding of the watch‐house environment; justice processes and uncertain legal disposition; communication with the watch‐house; and detainees misreporting symptoms. Thresholds for assessment and treatment of detainees were contextualised to the needs of the patient, ED environment, and imperatives of other relevant agencies (e.g. police). Participants often relied on existing strategies to deliver quality care despite challenges, but also identified a need for additional strategies, including education for ED staff; improved communication with watch‐houses; standardised paperwork; extended models of watch‐house healthcare; and integrated medical records.ConclusionsProviding equitable healthcare to patients transported from watch‐houses to the EDs is challenging but essential. Numerous opportunities exist to enhance the delivery of optimal care for this underserved population.

show abstract

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Supporting equitable care of patients transferred from police watch‐houses to the emergency department: A qualitative study of the perspectives of emergency doctors

Brandenburg,

Thomas,

Lincoln

et al. 2024

Emerg Medicine Australasia

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Compared to people arriving to the ED by other means, people BIBP are more likely to present for mental and behavioural issues, substance misuse and encounter a longer ED length of stay (Brownlea et al., 2019; Crilly et al., 2019; Wardrop et al., 2022b). In a recent scoping review that examined people BIBP to the ED and included 21 studies from several countries, the main presentation type was mental health/psychiatric reasons followed by trauma/injury and substance misuse (Wardrop et al., 2023). Thus, the clinical profile of people BIBP is often complex, with police often tasked with the initial care response.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Clinicians' experiences of caring for people brought in by police to the emergency department: A qualitative interpretive study

Wardrop,

Ranse,

Crilly

et al. 2023

Journal of Advanced Nursing

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

AimTo explore nurses' and doctors' experiences of providing care to people brought in by police (BIBP) to the emergency department (ED).DesignA qualitative interpretive study using in‐depth individual interviews.MethodsSemi‐structured interviews were conducted with nurses and doctors who worked in various EDs in one Australian state and were involved in the care of people BIBP. Interviews were undertaken between May and October 2022 and focused on the structures (i.e., what), processes (i.e., how) and outcomes of care for people BIBP. Data were analysed using deductive and then inductive content analysis.ResultsNine nurses and eight doctors were interviewed. Structures described by participants included human structures (staff) and organizational structures (areas for assessment, involuntary assessment orders, investigations, chemical/physical restraints). For processes, participants described practices including risk/mental health assessments, legal considerations, and increased/decreased levels of care compared to other presentations. Communication processes were largely between police and health care staff. Service outcomes pertained to discharge location (custody, community, hospital admission) and length of stay.ConclusionThe current care delivery for people BIBP to the ED is unique and complex, often occurring in high traffic, resource‐intensive areas. There is a need to strengthen structures and processes, to improve service outcomes.Implications for the ProfessionUnderstanding the care requirements for people brought into ED by police enables the delivery of targeted care alongside appropriate resource allocation.ImpactThis study provides a comprehensive understanding of the health care requirements for people BIBP to EDs. Interventions delivered in the ED to support health care delivery for people BIBP and foster clinician and police relationships are required to optimize patient and health service outcomes.Reporting MethodThis study adheres to the COREQ checklist (Table S1) of the EQUATOR guidelines.Patient or Public ContributionThis study focused on ED staff experiences.

show abstract

Characteristics and outcomes of emergency department presentations brought in by police with and without an emergency examination authority: A state-wide cohort study

Alcock,

Crilly OAM,

Ranse

et al. 2024

Australasian Emergency Care

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Characteristics and outcomes of patient presentations to the emergency department via police: A scoping review

Cited by 5 publications

References 51 publications

Supporting equitable care of patients transferred from police watch‐houses to the emergency department: A qualitative study of the perspectives of emergency doctors

Supporting equitable care of patients transferred from police watch‐houses to the emergency department: A qualitative study of the perspectives of emergency doctors

Clinicians' experiences of caring for people brought in by police to the emergency department: A qualitative interpretive study

Characteristics and outcomes of emergency department presentations brought in by police with and without an emergency examination authority: A state-wide cohort study

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About