A service evaluation of an enhanced crisis pathway service for individuals with complex emotional needs

Purpose Individuals with complex emotional needs (CEN) can regularly present to mental health services in crisis; however, services are often not able to meet their needs. This study aims to conduct a service evaluation of a new crisis service model, the enhanced crisis pathway (ECP), for individuals with CEN. Design/methodology/approach Service data from the ECP were evaluated, which included 78 individuals with CEN. Descriptive statistics, t-tests and linear regression models were used to examine patient demographics, impact of ECP on service use (referrals/admissions to and length of stay in acute services, inpatient and home treatment team [HTT]) and whether patient age, gender or ethnicity impacted service use outcomes. Findings In total, 88.46% of individuals who accessed the ECP in the examination period were included in the analysis. There was a significant reduction in referrals to the HTT, admissions to inpatient care, length of stay in HTT and length of stay in inpatient units post-ECP. Gender and ethnicity did not impact on care outcomes when using the ECP service, but age had a small impact on total acute referrals. As this was a service evaluation, these results are tentative and future research needs to be conducted. Originality/value This study evaluates a novel service model for people with CEN in crisis and provides tentative evidence for its usefulness and acceptability.