Emergency department nurses' care of psychiatric patients: A scoping review

Abstract

The emergency department (ED) is a difficult place for psychiatric patients. However, individuals with mental illness often use the Emergency Department as a primary source of healthcare. This study was conducted to identify and examine published literature related to ED nurses' care of individuals with mental illness and to identify associated research gaps. A scoping review within the Arksey and O'Malley [11] framework was undertaken to answer, "what factors influence ED nurses' care of individuals with mental illness?" Sixteen studies met the inclusion criteria. The PRISMA method [16] was used to illustrate the flow of studies. The review resulted in three main themes influencing ED nurses' care for psychiatric patients. These were concerns related to environment; beliefs and perceptions; and knowledge and confidence. The results are described and framed within Biddle's role theory [33], and the gaps in the literature related to research and recommendations for specific investigations are presented.

Keywords: Emergency Department; Emergency nursing; Mental illness; Nurses’ role; Psychiatric patients.