Smart et al developed categories for triaging a patient with mental health issues in the Emergency Department (ED). This can help to effectively use resources during the initial patient assessment. The authors are from Royal Hobart Hospital in Tasmania.
Patient selection: mental health problem in the Emergency Department
Danger to Self or Others
Mental Health Issue
Escort
Triage
high
violent, aggressive or suicidal
police
emergency
moderate
very distressed; acutely psychotic; situational crisis
variable
urgent
low
long-standing and semi-urgent
often from supporting agency
semi-urgent
very low
long-standing or non-acute
variable, may be none
non-urgent
Triage Scale
Treatment Time
Corresponding Australasian National Triage Scale Code
emergency
within 10 minutes
2
urgent
within 30 minutes
3
semi-urgent
within 60 minutes
4
non-urgent
within 120 minutes
5
To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.
