Risk mitigation strategies for children and young people admitted with mental health crisis to acute paediatric care: A systematic review with narrative synthesis.
Takawira C Marufu, Aikaterina Kaltsa, Zaki Albelbisi et al.
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
In 30 seconds
This systematic review with narrative synthesis examined evaluated pathways for managing self-harm and suicidality risk among children and young people admitted to acute hospital settings during a mental health crisis. Searches of eight academic databases through February 2022 identified 120 potential studies; five met the inclusion criteria. The review identified six strategies: safety huddles, urgent psychiatric review within 2 hours of assessment, feedback on screening responses, motivational and barrier-reducing interventions, constant 1:1 observation, and environmental safety measures. Strategies addressed environmental, family, and individual factors through changes to equipment, surveillance, and communication.
Key findings
- Five studies met the review’s inclusion criteria from 120 potential studies identified.
- Six risk mitigation strategies were identified, including safety huddles, urgent psychiatric review within 2 hours, and constant 1:1 observation.
- Strategies targeted environmental, family, and individual factors, using changes to equipment, surveillance, and communication.
Why it matters
Children and young people admitted during mental health crises may experience fluctuating distress and risk of self-harm or suicide. The review maps approaches evaluated in acute paediatric settings and highlights that risk mitigation can involve coordinated attention to the care environment, family, and the young person. This offers a framework for understanding the range of strategies described in the available evidence.
What to keep in mind
Only five studies met the inclusion criteria, limiting the breadth of evidence available to inform conclusions.