"Working alongside next of kin to enhance discharge: A quality improvem" by Warren Kealy-Bateman, Daniel Stewart et al.
Objectives: Mental health (MH) patients seen in the emergency department (ED) setting are often viewed in isolation, outside of the context of their loved ones, the next of kin (NOK). This is especially problematic when a patient is detained under the mental health act. This project aimed to improve this engagement. Methods: A sense of urgency was created from a guiding coalition of the local MH and ED executive of a rural hospital. The vision was communicated to the team for action. This was then institutionally incorporated as best practice during a 3 month trial. Results: NOK were engaged m...