A Redland Hospital social worker is leading new research aimed at improving care for patients presenting to the Emergency Department experiencing both suicidality and homelessness.
Social Worker Katrielle Litster received a $10,000 Emergency Medicine Foundation Emerge Grant to support the mixed-methods study, which will explore trends, barriers and opportunities to improve care for vulnerable patients.
"Patients presenting with both suicidality and homelessness often have complex health and social needs, which can lead to longer Emergency Department stays, multiple assessments and challenges finding safe discharge option," she said.
Supported by mentors Professor Marianne Wyder from Addiction and Mental Health and Emergency Department Staff Specialist Dr Henry Tsao, the project will examine patient journeys through the Emergency Department and gather staff perspectives to better understand opportunities for improvement.
Director of Emergency John Sutherland said the research highlighted the importance of a team of professionals, such as doctors, nurses and allied health workers, all working together.
“Patients experiencing homelessness and mental health distress often need support from a range of teams, not just one clinician or one service,” he said.
“This project brings together emergency clinicians, mental health and social work staff to better understand what patients need and how we can improve care across the whole system.”
Mr Sutherland said supporting frontline research was an important part of improving patient care at Bayside Health Service.
“Research like this helps us learn from real patient experiences and find practical ways to improve care for some of our most vulnerable community members,” he said.
*Photo courtesy of Emergency Management Fund