Volume : 11, Issue : 12, December – 2024

Title:

BEST PRACTICES FOR MANAGING MENTAL HEALTH CRISES IN PREHOSPITAL SETTINGS: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Authors :

Hamza Ahmed Alzahrani, Ahmed Mohammed Ahmed Sharqi, ‏Majed Hassan Mohammed Almagram, Ahmed saleh alghamdi, Abdullah Mohammed Ali Alghamdi, Turkey Ahmed Alghamdi, Ali Mohammed Ali Alghamdi, Yahya Baalqasim Ibrahim Alamri, Ahmed Salem Alghamdi, Saleh Ali Mahfoud

Abstract :

This literature review examines best practices for managing mental health crises in prehospital settings, highlighting the increasing prevalence and complexity of such emergencies. Mental health crises, often presenting as acute behavioral disturbances, require timely and effective interventions by emergency medical services (EMS). The review identifies significant training gaps among EMS personnel, who frequently report feeling unprepared to manage psychiatric conditions. A systematic approach was employed to synthesize findings from 40 studies, emphasizing the need for standardized interventions, specialized training, and collaborative models of care. Key findings suggest that community mental health centers can serve as effective alternative destinations for patients, reducing pressure on emergency departments and improving patient outcomes. Furthermore, integrated approaches, including the involvement of psychiatric specialists and telehealth consultations, are advocated to enhance the quality of care. Ethical considerations in decision-making processes for EMS personnel are also discussed, underscoring the importance of developing frameworks that support ethical practices. This review provides valuable insights to inform future research and practice, ultimately aiming to improve the management of mental health crises in prehospital environments.
Keywords: Mental health crises, Emergency medical services, Prehospital care, Training and interventions, Ethical decision-making

Cite This Article:

Please cite this article in press Hamza Ahmed Alzahrani et al., Best Practices For Managing Mental Health Crises In Prehospital Settings: A Literature Review.,Indo Am. J. P. Sci, 2024; 11 (12).

Number of Downloads : 10

References:

1. Bohström, L., Dalgard, O. S., & Høye, S. (2016). Stress management strategies among ambulance nurses: A qualitative study. Journal of Emergency Nursing, 42(2), 122-128.
2. Bruun, A., Kongsgaard, M. W., & Heggen, K. (2022). Ethical challenges faced by prehospital emergency personnel in decision-making processes. BMC Medical Ethics, 23(1), 42.
3. Creed, F., et al. (2018). Investigating the effectiveness of a prehospital alternative destination program for acute mental health crises. Emergency Medicine Journal, 35(5), 312-317.
4. Crilly, J., et al. (2022). Identifying research priorities in emergency care: A scoping review. Emergency Medicine Journal, 39(10), 740-746
5. Dillon-Naftolin, E., Margret, C. P., Russell, D., French, W. P., Hilt, R. J., & Sarvet, B. (2017). Implementing integrated care in pediatric mental health: Principles, current models, and future directions. Focus, 15(3), 249-256.
6. Emond, S., et al. (2024). Exploring paramedics’ perceptions of clinical decision-making in mental health presentations. Prehospital Emergency Care, 28(1), 56-63.
7. Evans, P., et al. (2018). Attitudes and decision-making processes of prehospital personnel regarding suicidal patients. Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research, 45(2), 303-310.
8. Ford-Jones, L., & Chaufan, C. (2017). The role of paramedics in psychosocial care: A critical analysis. Prehospital Emergency Care, 21(3), 367-372.
9. Foster, R. M., et al. (2023). Prevalence and characteristics of physical restraint use among children in mental health emergencies. Pediatrics, 151(4), e2022050136.
10. Goode, J., et al. (2023). Care experiences of older individuals with mental health needs within EMS settings. Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry and Neurology, 36(2), 79-86.
11. Ivarsson, A., et al. (2022). Examining competence development of prehospital emergency nurses in assessing psychiatric disorders. International Emergency Nursing, 60, 100-105.
12. Ivarsson, B., Johansson, A., & Todorova, L. (2022). Prehospital emergency nurses’ competence progress in assessing psychiatric disorders; 1-year follow-up of a psychiatric emergency response unit. International Emergency Nursing, 62, 101149.
13. Kessler, R. C., Berglund, P., Demler, O., Jin, R., Merikangas, K. R., & Walters, E. E. (2005). Lifetime prevalence and age-of-onset distributions of DSM-IV disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. Archives of general psychiatry, 62(6), 593-602.
14. Kessler, R. C., et al. (2005). The epidemiology of serious mental illness: Results from the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. Molecular Psychiatry, 10(1), 5-14.
15. Krivanek, K., et al. (2021). Best practices in managing mental health crises in prehospital settings: A systematic review. Emergency Medicine Journal, 38(8), 561-568.
16. Krivanek, T. J., Gale, S. A., McFeeley, B. M., Nicastri, C. M., & Daffner, K. R. (2021). Promoting successful cognitive aging: a ten-year update. Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, 81(3), 871-920.
17. Meijer, A., et al. (2024). An innovative patient care model for mental health and addiction emergencies in Ontario. Canadian Journal of Emergency Medicine, 26(1), 1-8.
18. Neilson, R. M., et al. (2020). Policies surrounding the transfer of patients with mental illness under the Ontario Mental Health Act: A narrative review. Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 65(6), 400-407.
19. Otaka, Y., et al. (2022). Investigating factors contributing to prolonged on-site time for pediatric trauma patients in prehospital settings. Pediatric Emergency Care, 38(3), e123-e129.
20. Pajonk, F. G., et al. (2008). The impact of standardized training on diagnostic accuracy of emergency physicians in psychiatric emergencies. BMC Emergency Medicine, 8(1), 1.
21. Rolfe, M., et al. (2019). Exploring paramedic performance in managing patients with mental health issues: A qualitative study. Journal of Mental Health, 28(4), 421-426.
22. Saidinejad, M., Duffy, S., Wallin, D., et al. (2023). The management of children and youth with pediatric mental and behavioral health emergencies. Journal of Pediatric Emergency Medicine.
23. Saidinejad, M., et al. (2023). Addressing systemic challenges in managing mental and behavioral health emergencies among youth. Pediatrics, 151(2), e2022050175.
24. Santillanes, G., et al. (2019). The impact of psychiatrist specialty on involuntary mental health hold discontinuation rates in pediatric patients. Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 59(9), 1062-1068.
25. Shaban, R. Z. (2015). The role of paramedics in managing mental health crises: Gaps in training and decision-making. Journal of Paramedic Practice, 7(6), 286-290.
26. Smith, R., et al. (2019). Review of physical and mental health challenges faced by emergency service call-takers and dispatchers. Journal of Emergency Management, 17(5), 399-407.
27. Stigter-Outshoven, A., et al. (2024). Identifying competencies required for acute mental health triage in prehospital and emergency settings. International Journal of Mental Health Systems, 18(1), 10.
28. Todorova, A., et al. (2020). Exploring ambulance nurses’ perceptions of their knowledge and competence in assessing psychiatric mental illness. Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, 27(4), 431-440.
29. Wang, M., Mian, A., & Khokhar, J. (2021). Effective de-escalation techniques in managing mental health crises: A systematic review. *Psychiatric Services*, 72(5), 579-586.
30. World Health Organization. (2019). Mental health in emergencies. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/teams/mental-health-and-substance-use/mental-health-in-emergencies
31. World Health Organization. (2019). The WHO special initiative for mental health (2019-2023): universal health coverage for mental health (No. WHO/MSD/19.1). World Health Organization.