Effects of a psychiatrists' strike on emergency psychiatric referral and admissions

This is a report on the effects of a psychiatrists' strike in Israel on emergency psychiatric referrals and admissions from two catchment areas. One had comprehensive psychiatric services, the other did not. Three periods were compared - before, during and after the strike. During the strike period, overall referrals to the emergency room decreased by 3.9%. A significant 15.8% decrease in referrals was registered in the comprehensive psychiatric service area, and an 11.4% increase in referrals in the other catchment area. Although no increase was seen in total emergency admissions during the strike, involuntary admissions increased by 21.6%, within the catchment area which did not have a comprehensive service, whereas within the area with the comprehensive service there was a significant decrease of 33% in involuntary admissions. The impact of these services on emergency referrals and admissions, especially during the strike, is discussed.