Mental health and alcohol and other drug training for emergency department workers: one solution to help manage...

To evaluate a training course for ED staff aiming to improve knowledge and skills in working with mental health and drug/alcohol patients attending EDs.

Pre- and postcourse questionnaires assessed attitudes and self-ratings of confidence, knowledge and skills in working with these patients. Follow-up interviews assessed if new skills or approaches to patient management had been integrated into daily ED practice.

Little change was observed in the course participants' attitudes, although reported attitudes were generally appropriate. Self-ratings of confidence in skills and knowledge showed a significant improvement on all questions following the course. Responses to the follow-up interviews suggest course information has been retained and integrated into practice, especially in conducting triage and other assessments and taking more time to talk to patients.

The course has led to staff feeling more confident and competent to help mental health or drug/alcohol patients who attend the ED.