Factors affecting the referral and response for clients who present with a mental illness to the ED

Purpose of the Study: This study examined the relationship between Emergency Department (ED) and Mental Health Triage Nurses while caring for clients with a mental illness at the point of triage in the ED. Design: A busy regional ED and the mental health service that provides a 24 hour triage service to the ED was the focus of the research. An Ethnographic methodological approach was used to observe the interactions between the two groups of nurses. Nested within this methodology, group and individual interviews were undertaken with both cohorts of nurses, extensive field notes were documented and the observed interactions and reflections of the researcher were captured to ensure, and contribute to data richness and strength. Findings: Using a thematic framework to guide analysis, the following key issues emerged from the data and will be discussed. These were: 1) communication and the factors that affect interdisciplinary communication, 2) collegiality and mental health presence in the ED, 3) mental health education 4) the different processes that underpin ED and mental health triage roles.This paper will present the findings of this research