Report of the Field Test to Evaluate a Decision Support Tool for Psychiatric Assessments in Emergency Rooms

Sharon S. Dawes and Anthony M. Cresswell
Aug. 1, 1995

Abstract

This project represented one approach to improve emergency psychiatric services by reducing the number of inappropriate admissions, and by avoiding inappropriate releases, which can result in violent episodes in the community. This report describes the field test conducted with practicing clinicians, including the advantages and disadvantages that clinicians found with the decision support system. Recommendations made to the Office of Mental Health at the conclusion of the project are elaborated on here. Details of the prototype system are given and screen display images printed in the report.

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