@article{ref1,
title="Bridging the gap: a qualitative study of providers' perceptions of a partnered crisis follow-up program for suicidal patients post-emergency department discharge",
journal="BMC psychiatry",
year="2023",
author="Soderlund, Patricia D. and Cheung, Erick H. and Cadiz, Madonna P. and Siddiq, Hafifa and Yerstein, Maria and Lee, Sae and Wells, Kenneth and Heilemann, MarySue V.",
volume="23",
number="1",
pages="e854-e854",
abstract="BACKGROUND: Effective interventions are needed to address suicide risk following discharge from the hospital emergency department or inpatient setting. Studies that examine follow-up contact methods show promise, but little is known about how follow-up programs are implemented in the real world and who is benefitting. The purpose of this formative evaluation and analysis was to gain insight about the usefulness and value of a partnered suicide prevention follow-up program (academic medical center emergency department partnered with a regional suicide prevention center) from the standpoint of psychiatry resident physicians providing direct care and suicide prevention center crisis counselors making follow-up outreach telephone calls to patients. <br><br>METHODS: A qualitative thematic analysis was conducted with focus group data from a convenience sample of psychiatry residents who performed consultations in the emergency department setting and counselors at the suicide prevention center crisis follow-up program. Focus group sessions, using semi-structured question guides, were completed at each participant group's workplace. Grounded theory techniques were used to guide coding and analytic theme development. <br><br>RESULTS: Analyses resulted in four overarching themes: valuing the program's utility and benefit to patients, desiring to understand what happens from emergency department discharge to program follow-up, having uncertainty about which patients would benefit from the program, and brainstorming to improve the referral process. Psychiatry residents appreciated the option of an &quot;active&quot; referral service (one that attempts to actively engage a patient after discharge through outreach), while suicide prevention crisis counselors valued their ability to offer a free and immediate service that had potential for fostering meaningful relationships. Both participant groups desired a better understanding of their partner's program operations, a uniform and smooth referral process, and awareness of who may or may not benefit from program services. <br><br>CONCLUSION: Results revealed the need for improved communication and implementation, such as expanded inter-agency contacts, consistent provider training, more documentation of the requirements and rules, a consistent message about program logistics for patients, and coordination between the program elements.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1471-244X",
doi="10.1186/s12888-023-05106-y",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s12888-023-05106-y"
}