Missed Serious Medical Illness in Psychiatric Patients Seen in an Academic Emergency Department

Missed Serious Medical Illness in Psychiatric Patients Seen in an Academic Emergency Department

Psychiatric presentations are common in the emergency department (ED), and determining whether or not a psychiatric presentation is due to medical illness can be a difficult task for the emergency physician. The investigators define "serious medical illness" (SMI) as a pathological condition that would necessitate inpatient treatment on a medical or surgical ward. It is important for patient safety that SMI be triaged by the emergency physician to the appropriate inpatient service. The rate of missed SMI in patients with psychiatric presentations to the ED is unknown. The investigators will research missed SMI in patients referred to adult psychiatry from the ED, with the intent to improve patient safety.

Inclusion Criteria:

• All patients greater than or equal to 18 years of age presenting to London Health Sciences Centre, Victoria Hospital emergency department between October 1, 2014 - July 31, 2015 who were referred to adult psychiatry by the emergency physician.

Exclusion Criteria:

• None