Every September, we observe National Suicide Prevention Month, which is dedicated to raising awareness about a public health issue that transcends age, race, and socioeconomic background. Suicide impacts individuals across all industries, with healthcare professionals being particularly vulnerable.
One crucial avenue for suicide prevention is recognizing the role of the Emergency Department (ED) as a critical entry point for individuals seeking help for behavioral health concerns. Data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) for 2017 to 2019 shows that the emergency department (ED) visit rate for adults with mental health disorders was 52.9 per 1,000. Moreover, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) reports 46% of those who die by suicide have a diagnosed mental health condition. However, research indicates that up to 90% may have experienced symptoms.
Compounding this issue, a recent study in Mayo Clinic Proceedings revealed that 54% of over 2,000 hospitals nationwide reported not having a psychiatrist on staff or available for consultation in the ED and inpatient settings. This shortage of mental health professionals in critical care environments underscores the urgent need to address gaps in care.
During this month, it is imperative to focus on eliminating the stigma surrounding suicide and increasing awareness of the resources available to those experiencing mental health crises. By doing so, we can take meaningful steps toward reducing the incidence of suicide and providing support to those in need.
Supporting patients with mental health issues requires compassionate, comprehensive care, and the elimination of stigma. By encouraging open conversations about mental health, providing necessary resources, and ensuring easy access to care, we can help patients manage their conditions more effectively.
Awareness of key statistics is essential to understanding the demographics most affected by suicide and guiding the provision of targeted support. For instance:
- Annual prevalence of serious thoughts of suicide in high-risk populations (NAMI):
- U.S. Adults: 4.8%
- Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander: 7.4%
- Mixed/Multiracial: 8.2%
- American Indian/Alaska Native: 8.5%
- Young adults aged 18-25: 13%
- High school students: 22%
- LGBTQ youth: 41%
In the United States, the highest rates of suicide are observed among American Indian and Alaska Native populations, followed closely by non-Hispanic whites. Within specific groups, physicians face one of the highest suicide rates of any profession, highlighting the immense pressures within the healthcare industry. Among younger demographics, lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth are four times more likely to attempt suicide than their straight peers, while transgender adults are nearly nine times more likely to attempt suicide compared to the general population. This data, sourced from the CDC and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health, highlights the need for focused interventions and resources to support those most at risk.
Addressing Access to Care within the Emergency Department
On-Site
TeamHealth’s acute behavioral health program features a dedicated team of psychiatric hospitalists who provide expert support for mental health consultations, thereby enhancing clinical effectiveness and improving patient outcomes. This integrated team, consisting of board-certified psychiatrists and advanced practice clinicians, collaborates to streamline services, resulting in timely psychiatric evaluations and improved throughput for psychiatric patients in the ED.
On-Demand
Through strategic partnerships, TeamHealth offers acute behavioral health services, including telepsychiatry, which expands access to standardized, psychiatrist-led, patient-centered care. The on-demand model allows for the efficient identification of patients who require inpatient care versus those who can be safely discharged with appropriate resources, ensuring timely and effective treatment.
Bridging the gap in emergency departments (EDs) is essential to providing comprehensive care for patients facing mental health challenges. EDs must have the resources and expertise to deliver timely and effective care. With a focus on patient-centered care and clinical excellence, TeamHealth is poised to support EDs in meeting the complex needs of psychiatric patients, ultimately improving outcomes and ensuring that no patient falls through the cracks.
To learn more and connect with our team, please reach out to us.
References
Mayo Clinic Proceedings Article
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health