About This Project

This survey research study aims to explore the amount of confidence emergency physicians have with treating patients in the ER in the depths of suicidality, psychosis, and mania. We hope to understand where these doctors may need more training, and also what factors (institutional, educational, and experiential) may contribute to their confidence patterns, which could guide future curricula. We would like to offer a $100 gift card drawing for survey participants.

Ask the Scientists

What is the context of this research?

The emergency room is the only place to go for many patients in crisis. However, it has been shown that in the past few years emergency room visits for mental illness in the U.S. are on the rise. [1]

Emergency room care for those experiencing mental health crises has previously been shown to be an area of concern. A recent study showed only 31% of ER patients received standard risk of self-harm screening. [3] Other studies have found disagreement between emergency physicians and psychiatrists on whether patients should be admitted or released. [4-6]

As all patients are screened for suicidality during an ED visit, even doctors that have no psychiatric resources available may be confronted with a suicidal patient and must be ready. [2]

Citations in additional info below.

What is the significance of this project?

Medical care is a continuously evolving and improving endeavor. This study attempts to identify the weak areas in current medical education and medical care in hopes of a better future for patients in crisis. What we find over the course of this study can be used in future emergency department quality improvement projects to deliver better care to one of our most vulnerable populations.

What are the goals of the project?

Our goal is to distribute our survey to two states' worth of emergency physicians through the American College of Emergency Physicians newsletter. It will ask about their training, experience, institutional resources, and their confidence in their ability to complete specific goals of crisis care. With their responses, we will run statistical analyses to determine any trends between these variables. We will then publish our results in the medical community.