3.19 effects of having a dedicated child and adolescent psychiatrist in the pediatric emergency department and creation of a bridge clinic on patient outcomes

The rates of pediatric patients with mental illness who present to the emergency department (ED) have increased by 20 percent in the past 10 years. However, there is limited investigation into methods for addressing this surge in patients. This retrospective quality assurance (QA) study evaluates the impact of having a child and adolescent psychiatrist act as a consultant to the ED in conjunction with the addition of a bridge clinic.