Characteristics and outcomes of patient presentations to the emergency department via police: A scoping review

Rachel Wardrop; Jamie Ranse; Wendy Chaboyer; Julia Crilly

doi:10.1016/j.auec.2023.01.004

Characteristics and outcomes of patient presentations to the emergency department via police: A scoping review

Australas Emerg Care. 2023 Sep;26(3):239-248. doi: 10.1016/j.auec.2023.01.004. Epub 2023 Feb 13.

Authors

Rachel Wardrop¹, Jamie Ranse², Wendy Chaboyer³, Julia Crilly⁴

Affiliations

¹ School of Nursing and Midwifery, Griffith University, Parklands Dr, Southport, QLD 4222, Australia; Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Parklands Dr, Southport, QLD 4222, Australia. Electronic address: r.wardrop@griffith.edu.au.
² School of Nursing and Midwifery, Griffith University, Parklands Dr, Southport, QLD 4222, Australia; Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Parklands Dr, Southport, QLD 4222, Australia; Department of Emergency Medicine, Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service, 1 Hospital Blvd, Southport, QLD 4215, Australia. Electronic address: j.ranse@griffith.edu.au.
³ School of Nursing and Midwifery, Griffith University, Parklands Dr, Southport, QLD 4222, Australia; Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Parklands Dr, Southport, QLD 4222, Australia. Electronic address: w.chaboyer@griffith.edu.au.
⁴ School of Nursing and Midwifery, Griffith University, Parklands Dr, Southport, QLD 4222, Australia; Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Parklands Dr, Southport, QLD 4222, Australia; Department of Emergency Medicine, Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service, 1 Hospital Blvd, Southport, QLD 4215, Australia. Electronic address: Julia.Crilly@health.qld.gov.au.

PMID: 36792389
DOI: 10.1016/j.auec.2023.01.004

Abstract

Background: As emergency department (ED) presentations continue to rise, understanding the complexities of vulnerable populations such as people brought in by police (BIBP) is crucial. This review aimed to map and describe the research about people BIBP to the ED.

Design and method: A scoping review, guided by the Joanna Briggs Institute process, was undertaken. The databases CINAHL, Embase and PubMed were searched between November 2017 and July 2022. The Patterns, Advances, Gaps, Evidence for practice, Research recommendations (PAGER) framework was used to guide the analysis.

Results: A total of 21 studies were included in the review, originating mainly from westernised countries. Examination of patterns across studies revealed four themes: routinely collected data is used to describe people BIBP to the ED; a focus on mental health care; the relationship between care delivery and outcomes; and the role of police in providing emergency care.

Conclusion: There is some understanding of the demographic characteristics, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of people BIBP to the ED. Knowledge gaps surrounding sociodemographic factors, prehospital and ED care delivery for people BIBP require further investigation to optimise outcomes for this vulnerable cohort of presenters.

Keywords: Emergency departments; Outcomes; Police; Scoping review.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Delivery of Health Care*
Emergency Service, Hospital
Humans
Police*