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Emergency department presentations with a mental health diagnosis in Australia, by jurisdiction and by sex, 2004–05 to 2016–17
Author(s) -
Tran Quang Nhat,
Lambeth Leonard G,
Sanderson Kristy,
Graaff Barbara,
Breslin Monique,
Tran Viet,
Huckerby Emma J,
Neil Amanda L
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
emergency medicine australasia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.602
H-Index - 52
eISSN - 1742-6723
pISSN - 1742-6731
DOI - 10.1111/1742-6723.13438
Subject(s) - medicine , emergency department , demography , jurisdiction , mental health , population , family medicine , pediatrics , psychiatry , environmental health , sociology , political science , law
Objectives To examine trends in ED presentations with a mental health diagnosis (MH dx ) in Australia by jurisdiction and by sex, between 2004–05 and 2016–17. Methods Data were captured in the National Non‐Admitted Patient Emergency Department Care Database. Outcomes were the proportion of ED presentations with a principal diagnosis of ICD‐10‐AM F00‐F99 (MH dx ), and the rate of all ED and MH dx presentations per 10 000 population. Results Between 2004–05 and 2016–17, MH dx presentations experienced compounding annual growth of 5.9% nationally, and increased from 3.3% to 3.7% of all ED presentations with a diagnosis. Most growth occurred between 2010–11 and 2015–16. Northern Territory (NT) had the highest level of MH dx presentations per 10 000 population, more than double the Australian average. The proportion of MH dx presentations was highest in South Australia (SA) in most years, and the average annual proportion of MH dx presentations was statistically significantly higher than the national average in SA, Queensland (QLD) and Western Australia (WA). The proportion of MH dx presentations increased in each jurisdiction, with significant increases for Victoria, QLD, WA, Australian Capital Territory and NT. Males experienced greater numbers and rates of all ED and MH dx presentations, while the proportion of MH dx presentations was 8% higher for females. Conclusions The proportion of ED presentations for MH conditions, narrowly defined, has increased in all Australian jurisdictions between 2004–05 and 2016–17, but particularly since 2010–11. Differences between jurisdictions indicate jurisdictional specific issues. However, significant or upward trend of MH dx presentations across all jurisdictions indicates generic issues necessitating concern and policy development at a national level.