Emergency department use for mental and substance use disorders: descriptive analysis of population-based, linked administrative data in British Columbia, Canada.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Information on emergency department (ED) visits for mental and substance use disorders (MSUDs) is important for planning services but has not been explored in British Columbia (BC), Canada. We describe all MSUD ED visits for people ages 15 and older in the province of BC in 2017/2018 and document trends in MSUD ED visits between 2007/2008 and 2017/2018 by disorder group.

Design

Population-based linked administrative data comprised of ED records and physician billings capturing all MSUD ED visits in BC.

Setting

BC is Canada's westernmost province with a population of approximately 5 million. Permanent residents receive first-dollar coverage for all medically necessary services provided by licensed physicians or in hospitals, including ED services.

Populat

SUBMITTER: Lavergne MR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8762129 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature