Abstract
Psychiatric emergency services (PES) have an integral role in the spectrum of mental health services. PES use has been increasing over the past decades; however, there has been little research to establish what variables, or combination thereof, lead to successful outcomes. The focus of outcome studies has been on predictor variables without simultaneous analysis or use of multiple perspectives. This study is a retrospective medical record review of 221 patients to examine which demographic, clinical, and process/structural variables contribute to positive patient satisfaction, follow-up compliance, and the absence of a repeat PES visit. Statistical analysis yielded five variables predictive of increased patient satisfaction (i.e., follow-up compliance, scheduling with a new provider, PES disposition, patient age, and assistance scheduling follow-up); two variables predictive of decreased patient satisfaction (i.e., refusing scheduling assistance, and diagnosis); four variables predictive of follow-up compliance (i.e., marital status, how follow-up was scheduled, scheduling with an established provider, and hospital location); four variables predictive of lack of follow-up compliance (i.e., marital status, diagnosis, hospital location, and refusing scheduling assistance); one variable predictive of absence of repeat visit (i.e., scheduling with a new provider); and two variables predictive of repeat visit (i.e. diagnosis and assessment length). These research results have significant implications for PES service structure and formulation of targeted interventions.