Brief report: psychiatric emergency service in the Capital Region of Denmark.

Abstract

Objective: In October 2022, the psychiatric emergency service PAB (in Danish: Psykiatrisk Akutberedskab) in the Capital Region of Denmark expanded its operations from an off-hours service to a 24/7 operational model. The PAB offers telephone and outreach services for people with psychiatric emergencies on professional request. The aim of this study was to describe the activities and evaluate the perceived usefulness of PAB's 24/7 model.

Materials and methods: This study utilized a quantitative research approach, with data collection conducted during daytime hours of weekdays from October 2022 through September 2023, covering the first year of PAB's 24/7 operations. The on-call psychiatrist documented requisitions from which statistical data have been compiled. The sample is comprised of 830 requisitions.

Results: There was a recognizable demand for PAB in the Capital Region during weekday daytime hours. Most requisitions were made by family physicians and staff at sheltered homes. The majority of requisitions were considered relevant for PAB. Telephone consultations and mobile outreach services were utilized equally. Data from 2022 and 2023 exhibited similar activity patterns.

Conclusions: This brief report concludes that there is a clinically relevant need for PAB in the Capital Region of Denmark. PAB is a competent psychiatric emergency service that provides a qualified mobile crisis assessment with subsequent relevant action, and the strategic collaboration between psychiatrists and law enforcement enhances its efficiency. The clinical benefits derived from extended operational hours justify the associated costs.