Course Spotlight -  Mental Health Emergencies - 21 February 2025

Learning objectives

• Develop a structured approach to acute psychiatric emergencies
• Practice and develop awareness of the limitations of self-harm risk assessment
• Review the differential diagnosis of delirium and unusual behaviour
• Practice a systematic approach to acute agitation and aggression
• Develop knowledge of mental health legislation relevant to acute care

 

Summary 

This course introduces a structured approach to acute psychiatric emergencies for patients presenting to hospitals in an acute crisis. It outlines the practical, ethical and legal issues relevant in managing such scenarios in Ireland.

The content is delivered by a combination of emergency medicine physicians and liaison psychiatrists. A combination of simulated scenarios with professional actors and interactive case discussions are used.

Topics covered include:

• Medical clearance of the psychiatric patient
• Self-harm and risk assessment
• Alcohol addiction and intoxication
• The patient behaving strangely
• Managing aggression and agitation in the ED
• Legislation in Ireland (The Mental Health Act, The Capacity Act)

 

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