Effect of a Virtual Patient Navigation Program on Behavioral Health Admissions in the Emergency Department

Key Points Question Does offering virtual patient navigation reduce admission rates for patients presenting to the emergency department with a behavioral health crisis? Findings In this randomized clinical trial, there were fewer admissions on days when the navigation program was available (55.1%) vs on days with usual care (63.1%), although the difference was not statistically significant. Significantly fewer patients who used the navigation program had a follow-up encounter involving a self-harm diagnosis within 45 days compared with patients who received usual care (36.8% vs 45.5%). Meaning Although the primary result did not reach statistical significance, there is a strong signal of potential positive benefit in an area that lacks evidence, suggesting that there should be additional investment and inquiry into this area.