Mental Health

Mental Health Study

An Innovative Model of Acute Pediatric Mental Health and Addictions Care

Study Summary

An Innovative Model of Acute Pediatric Mental Health and Addictions Care is an Alberta Innovates funded study led by Drs. Stephen Freedman and Dr. Amanda Newton (Edmonton, AB). Alberta’s two pediatric Emergency Departments (EDs) are involved in this prospective, pragmatic, 29-month quasi-experimental study that is evaluating the effect of a novel acute mental health and addictions care bundle. The acute care bundle comprises 3 components: 1) assessing self-harm risk at triage, enabling risk stratification; 2) use of a direct, brief, mental health evaluation for those who screen as high risk for self-harm at triage; and 3) implementation of shared decision-making approach in post-ED follow-up care. The overarching goal of this study is to deliver the right care at the right place and time for our patients and families. This study has partnered heavily with hospital leadership and administration, ED physicians and nurses, and emergency, inpatient and outpatient psychiatry services. 

Objectives

  1. To deliver the right care at the right place and time for our patients and families

Principal Study Investigators: Dr. Stephen Freedman and Dr. Amanda Newton

Project Lead: Dr. Jacinda Larson

Study Team: Dr. Antonia Stang, Dr. Jennifer Thull-Freedman, Jennifer Tweed, Erin Pols, Ashley McFetridge, Dr. Michael Stubbs, Dr. Bruce Wright, Geri St. Jean, Sharon Drury, Dr. Lindy VanRiper, Allison Bichel, Christine Mummery, Linda Anderson, Angela Coulombe, Aleta Ambrose, Priscilla Asamoah, Andrea Perri, Dr. Teresa Lightbody, Kay Rittenbach, Dr. Patrick McLane, Scott Fielding, Heather Hair, Dr. Melissa Potestio, Janet Chafe, Margaret Fullerton, Tracy Wasylak, Joanne Weninger, Dr. Susa Benseler, Dr. Tim Graham, Dr. Chris McCabe, Dr. Gareth Hopikins, Dr. Gina Dimitropoulos, Dr. Maria Santana, Dr. Gerald Giesbrecht, Dr. Frank McMaster, Dr. Samina Ali, Dr. Lawrence Richer, Dr. Mario Cappelli, Dr. Sharon Clark, Dr. Lisa Horowitz, Dr. Quynh Doan, Dr. Prashant Mahajan, Jananee Rasiah, Barbara Brady-Fryer, Lee Macdonald

Mental Health study publications