This quality improvement initiative evaluated whether two Canadian pediatric EDs could provide mental health follow-up appointments within 96 hours of discharge to 100% of eligible children lacking existing mental health access; six additional sites contributed demand pattern data across 8 total sites.
Of 431 children given follow-up appointments, only 75% at site A and 62% at site B received them within the 96-hour target — falling short of the 100% aim. Patients presenting Wednesday–Friday were least likely to meet the target (p < 0.001). Across all 8 sites, ED mental health visits were lowest on weekends and in July–August (p < 0.001).
Only two sites collected appointment timing data, limiting generalizability. The study did not report clinical outcomes (e.g., re-presentation, harm) tied to follow-up timeliness. Eligibility criteria and how many patients were offered but declined appointments are not detailed in the abstract.
Schedule more mental health follow-up slots on Mondays and Tuesdays to catch patients who present Wednesday–Friday and need an appointment within 96 hours. Recognize that weekends and summer months bring lower ED mental health volume, which can inform staffing and capacity planning.
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