There are major problems with the treatment of mental health patients in this country.
Emergency departments are backed up, oftentimes for days, in order to help people dealing with mental illness.
But is that fair to you?
Is the emergency room the best place for these patients? What can be done to correct this nationwide crisis?
There seems to be a misguided perception of mental disease, and there needs to be better education and understanding, as it is truly a disease just like any other... and many times just as deadly.
Dr. Nathan Schlicher joins Dr. Leigh to discuss mental healthcare in the U.S., and the impact it has on emergency services. In part two of this interview, they will both share some of the challenges emergency department staff deal with on a daily basis.
Listen to Part 1 of this interview.
Your Local ER: Clogged with Mental Health Patients?
Emergency departments are backed up, oftentimes for days, in order to help people dealing with mental illness. Is that fair to you?
Additional Info
- Segment Number: 2
- Audio File: ER_101/1347er5b.mp3
- Featured Speaker: Nathan Schlicher, MD
- Organization: American College of Emergency Physicians
- Guest Bio: Dr. Nathan Schlicher, MD, JD, FACEP, is the Associate Director of the TeamHealth Patient Safety Organization. He has served as a Washington State Senator, Board of Director for the Washington Chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians and Washington State Medical Association, and Legislative Advisor for the Emergency Medicine Residents Association.
- Length (mins): 10
- Waiver Received: Yes
- Host: Dr. Leigh Vinocur, MD