What is duty/triage? Understanding the role of duty/triage in an area mental health service

Abstract

Objective: To describe the duty/triage system within one urban area mental health service in Australia and to investigate the factors that affect the decision to organize a comprehensive assessment. Method: Data was collected from 3 months of duty/triage information and key informant interviews. Policies and procedures related to duty/triage were reviewed. Quantitative and qualitative analyses were conducted. Results: Two thousand, six hundred and three contacts with duty/triage occurred over a 3-month period. Half of these were related to patients new to the service. Most contacts were self-referrals or referrals from a carer. Few referrals came through the primary health care sector. New p..