2024 15th Annual NUBE Conference

Research has shown that post-discharge from an emergency department is a period of elevated risk for youth experiencing suicidal ideation. Data also suggests patients may experience barriers in accessing follow-up care, have limited support following a crisis, and feel resources do not meet their needs. Overall data trends show follow-up phone calls are an effective method to reduce suicide risk however more data is needed to confirm what aspects of follow-up phone calls are most effective in reducing suicide risk. Additionally, when working with pediatric populations there is limited data around engaging parents/guardians following an emergency department visit and strategies to support their child. To address this gap, a protocol to complete follow-up phone calls with all parents/guardians who were evaluated by the Consultation and Liaison Psychiatry Service at C.S. Mott Children's Hospital. This included identifying the target population, guidelines, scripts, and documentation processes. Staff education was developed and strategies to integrate phone calls into existing workflows to promote completion and ensure there is limited increased workload for staff. Phone calls engaged family’s around the youth’s mood after discharge from the emergency department, if they are experiencing suicidal thoughts, if they are aware of where their safety plan is, have they carried out lethal means restriction, and if they were able to attend follow-up appointments are establish care after discharge. Crisis resources and supports were also reviewed with family. Calls provided parents with coaching and positive praise for checking in with their youth and completing lethal means restriction. Calls also offered parents and opportunity to speak with providers on the CL service if additional questions or concerns were present. Overall, parents appreciated the phone calls. Calls also did not significantly add to workload for psychiatry team staff. This session will review steps to develop a follow-up phone call process in an emergency department setting. Strategies for data collection and monitoring of calls will also be reviewed.

Learning Objectives:

Reflect on data indicating effectiveness of follow-up phone calls

Describe key aspects of follow-up phone calls when engaging parents after an emergency department visit

Formulate strategies for how to replicate a similar intervention in their healthcare setting.