Understanding parent-reported factors that influence children and young people's anxiety and depression presentations to emergency departments: A multi-site study

Abstract

Objective: Victorian ED data show increased presentations for anxiety and depression in children. We aimed to determine parent-reported factors contributing to these presentations. Methods: Qualitative study with parents of children and young people aged 0–17 years who attended one of four EDs across Victoria between October 2017 and September 2018 and received a primary diagnosis of anxiety or depression (excluding self-harm or suicide attempt). Eligible parents completed semi-structured phone interviews, which were audio-recorded and transcribed. Transcripts were coded and qualitatively analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Seventy parents completed interviews. The average age of chil..