Predictors of Urgency in a Pediatric Psychiatric Emergency Service

摘要: Objectives To test the hypothesis that youth present to a psychiatric emergency service (PES) at least 25% of time for nonurgent reasons, examine demographic characteristics distinguish urgent from visits, and develop model predict urgency. Method Psychiatric visits all patients under 18 years July 1, 1997, through June 30, 1998, were abstracted coded as level urgency using Rosenn's classification system. Age, gender, ethnicity, arrival status, social involvement, violence, substance abuse, diagnosis examined with respect in bivariate multivariable analyses. Results Forty percent PES not urgent. Demographic factors distinguished visits. Independent predictors entire sample age, diagnosis, violence. Only violence remained an independent predictor attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder subgroup. Conclusions A large percentage pediatric reasons. This suggests there are considerable unmet mental health needs children adolescents. These findings can be applied improve design appropriate services.