Aeromedical retrievals of children and adolescents with mental health concerns to a tertiary hospital in the northern territory: A retrospective analysis

Abstract

Objective

To descriptively analyse aeromedical retrievals of children and adolescents for mental health concerns to Royal Darwin Hospital from February 1, 2016, to February 1, 2024.

Method

A retrospective review of electronic medical records was conducted of children and adolescents under 18 years who were transported via aeromedical retrieval to Royal Darwin Hospital for mental health concerns. Data were collected on demographics, clinical characteristics, admission status, length of stay, discharge destination, and representation rates, which were analysed descriptively.

Results

A total of 226 retrievals involving 167 patients were identified. Most patients (89%) were Indigenous, with an average age of 15 years. Common reasons for referral included psychotic symptoms (41%) and suicidal behaviour (25%). Most referrals came from primary community health clinics (73%). The majority of admissions were involuntary (83%), with an average length of stay of 12 days. Approximately one-third of retrieval episodes resulted in discharge to the Darwin metropolitan area.

Conclusion

Aeromedical retrieval plays a central role in facilitating access to specialist child adolescent mental health care, particularly for Indigenous adolescents in remote communities.