Mental health and alcohol and other drug training for emergency department workers: one solution to help manage increasing demand.

Objective: To evaluate a training course for ED staff aiming to improve knowledge and skills in working with mental health and drug/alcohol patients attending EDs.
Methods: Pre- and postcourse questionnaires assessed attitudes and self-ratings of confidence, knowledge and skills in working with these patients. Follow-up interviews assessed if new skills or approaches to patient management had been integrated into daily ED practice.
Results: Little change was observed in the course participants' attitudes, although reported attitudes were generally appropriate. Self-ratings of confidence in skills and knowledge showed a significant improvement on all questions following the course. Responses to the follow-up interviews suggest course information has been retained and integrated into practice, especially in conducting triage and other assessments and taking more time to talk to patients.
Conclusion: The course has led to staff feeling more confident and competent to help mental health or drug/alcohol patients who attend the ED.