RT Journal
A1 Barry WS, Kharabi F, Nyman G, Schmidt CW
T1 EXpanding psychiatric service in a hospital emergency room
JF JAMA
JO JAMA
YR 1979
FD September 28
VO 242
IS 13
SP 1394
OP 1395
DO 10.1001/jama.1979.03300130038016
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/jama.1979.03300130038016
AB Senior medical residents were used to extend psychiatric coverage in a busy hospital emergency room. Their service was supported by the backup consultation of senior psychiatric physicians. The medical residents worked in conjunction with psychiatric residents to provide 24-hour daily emergency psychiatric service to more than 350 patients during a 12-month period. There were no significant differences in the demographic composition of the patient population seen or in the disposition of individual patients made between the medical and psychiatric residents. The hospital was able to expand its psychiatric service in the emergency room without major increases in cost. The medical residents benefited by experiencing a more diversified patient care training program, and they earned a modest supplement to their house officer salary.(JAMA 242:1394-1395, 1979)