The mainstreaming of mental health services into the general healthcare system has added to the demands placed on Emergency Departments (EDs) in terms of the assessment, management and disposition of mental health related presentations. There is a growing body of research that highlights the difficulties encountered by consumers presenting to the ED with mental health concerns (Summers and Happell 2003). This paper describes a study undertaken to evaluate the Mental Health Liaison Nurse (MHLN) role in the ED of an inner city teaching hospital in Sydney Australia. The surveys, in a telephone interview conducted by a Consumer Consultant employed by the Area Mental Health Service (AMHS), provide mental health consumers with an opportunity for anonymous feedback on their experiences in the ED, their satisfaction with the MHLN role and follow-up arrangements in the community. Quantitative and qualitative data generated from the study are presented and discussed. The authors share their observations and experiences in conducting the study in order to further develop this avenue of service evaluation.
Adult Aged