Mental health presentations to the emergency department: A perspective on the involvement of social support networks

Abstract

The involvement of families, carers and significant others (i.e. social support networks) has a positive corollary for a person experiencing mental health problems. Accordingly, in Australia involvement of social support networks within mental health services is endorsed in national health policy and service guidelines. Despite the endorsement, this is yet to be fully realised in all areas that provide mental health services, including emergency departments. Social support networks are integral in the provision of mental health consumers’ care. Supporting the involvement of social support networks in the emergency department can provide healthcare services with opportunities for enhanced and..