19 NOVEMBER 2023EmPATH ­ A Path to Better ED Behavioral HealthcareBy James Bryant, Vice President of Emergency Services, Centra HealthEmergency Departments across our nation are seeing an increasednumber of mental and behavioral health patients. As demand for these services swells, post-pandemic, community and state resources are unable to deal with the need, forcing patients and families to seek care in already overcrowded EDs.Between 2007 and 2020, the number of ED visits for mental health reasons nearly doubled. Post-pandemic, it is estimated that 1 in 7 people arriving in the ED are there for a behavioral health issue. The average stay for these patients is 3 times longer than for traditional medical patients.EDs have small, dedicated areasto isolate patients "at risk of harm to themselves or others." These were designed primarily for safety and a relatively short stay. The little, sparsely furnished, windowless roomsrestrict movement and are continuously monitored by cameras and/or individual "sitters." This can be hours, days or even weeks, as a safe transition is planned and arranged with limited psychiatric care and interactions while waiting. EmPATH (Emergency Psychiatric Assessment Treatment and Healing) is a concept gaining national attention to help patients requiring CXO INSIGHTS
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