Mental and Behavioral health

The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Emergency Physicians support advocacy for increased mental health resources, including improved pediatric mental health tools for the emergency department, increased mental health insurance coverage, and adequate reimbursement at all levels; acknowledgment of the importance of the child’s medical home; and promotion of education and research for mental health emergencies.

The report also addresses special issues related to mental illness in the ED, such as minority populations, children with special health care needs, and children’s mental health during and after disasters and trauma.

This clinical report provides an overview of pediatric OUs, including the definitions and operating characteristics of different types of OUs, quality considerations and coding for observation services, and the effect of OUs on inpatient hospital utilization.

It is well documented that many behavioral health patients in the emergency department (ED) waiting to be admitted have extended lengths of stay, sometimes days or even weeks due to a lack of available beds either within the facility or at an external facility. In such cases, emergency nurses can ensure safety and structure for this patient population by providing these patients with a daily routine.