Evaluating junior medical staff confidence in assessment and management of mental health presentations in an Australian paediatric emergency department

Abstract

Objective

To evaluate confidence levels of junior doctors working in the paediatric emergency department (ED) in the assessment and management of acute mental health presentations.

Methods

This cross-sectional study invited 89 eligible junior doctors in an Australian paediatric ED to complete an online survey. Information about clinical experience was collected, and self-report confidence levels assessed using 5-point Likert scale. Descriptive statistics and comparative analysis were conducted using the Mann–Whitney U test.

Results

28 participants responded to the survey. Participants indicated feeling less confident in domains of assessment and management such as managing acute agitation, having knowing of referral pathways and support services compared to other domains. Confidence levels did not significantly differ based on training level or prior experience. Suggestions for future training included scenario-based learning, clinical simulation, education on referral pathways and acute behavioural disturbance.

Conclusions

This study reveals generally low confidence levels of junior doctors in assessment and management of acute mental health presentations to the paediatric ED. Confidence levels did not significantly differ between groups based on clinical experience and varied across domains of assessment and management. The study highlights a need for further training to address the current skills and knowledge gap in this area.