Expansion of a medical emergency team system to a mental health facility.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Clinical emergency response systems such as medical emergency teams (MET) are used in many hospitals worldwide, but the effect that these systems have in mental health facilities is unknown. This study examined the rate and nature of MET calls to a mental health facility that had relocated to the campus of a tertiary referral hospital. METHODS: This study was a prospective, observational study of MET calls to a newly constructed 170 bed mental health facility. Data were collected on the number and nature of MET calls to the facility. RESULTS: Over 24 months, there were 66 MET calls to the mental health facility, and 1217 MET calls at the main hospital. The mean MET call rate was 14.2 calls per 1000 admissions (95% confidence interval (CI) 10.8-17.7) at the mental health facility, and 14.7 calls per 1000 admissions (95% CI 13.9-15.5) at the main hospital. Neurological and cardiovascular problems were present in 61% and 41% of MET calls. CONCLUSION: The rate of MET calls to a new mental health facility can be similar to that of a tertiary hospital. Staff attending MET calls need to be prepared to manage predominantly neurological and cardiovascular problems.