Component Task: Referring A Psychiatric Emergency to a Psychiatric Hospital

This is a process where the RCPN transfers a client with psychiatric emergency to a psychiatric hospital for immediate attention. This process is initiated after the nurse identifies a client who is a threat to herself or others.

Aims

·         Meet specific need of client

·         Ensure continuity of care

·         Provide prompt treatment

·         Prevent complications

Requirements

·         Referral forms

·         Means of transport

Steps

1.        Approach client in a calm and respectful manner

2.      Observe and take relevant history

3.      Assess the client’s condition

4.      Write provisional diagnosis in client’s folder

5.      Give first aid treatment if necessary to calm client

6.      Inform client and relatives about the referral and give reasons

7.       Allay fears and anxieties of client and relatives

8.      Call to inform and enquire about the receiving facility’s readiness to receive the client

9.      Enquire about their protocols

10.    Inform the client and relatives about the receiving facility’s protocols

11.      Assess client and family’s readiness, if not provide other alternative

12.    Fill all necessary referral documents and give to the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

13.    Make arrangement for transportation

14.    Encourage client and relatives to ask questions

15.    Answer questions tactfully

16.    Thank client and relatives

17.    Document all procedures in the report book

18.    File client’s folder at the records

19.    Request the receiving facility to give feedback to the health facility