Observational cohort study of the triggers, diagnoses and outcomes of the medical emergency team (MET) response in adult psychiatry inpatients colocated with acute medical services in Australia.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Medical emergencies in psychiatric inpatients are challenging due to the model of care and limited medical resources. The study aims were to determine the triggers and outcomes of a medical emergency team (MET) call in psychiatric wards, and the risk factors for MET activation and mortality.

Design

Retrospective multisite cohort study.

Setting

Psychiatry units colocated with acute medical services at three major metropolitan hospitals in Melbourne, Australia.

Participants

We studied 487 adult inpatients who experienced a total of 721 MET calls between January 2015 and January 2020. Patients were relatively young (mean age, 45 years) and had few medical comorbidities, but a high prevalence of smoking, excessive alcohol intake and illicit drug use.

SUBMITTER: Azraai M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8499333 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature