Optimising Management of Behavioural Emergencies in the Emergency Department

This thesis provides critical information to optimise the management of behavioural emergencies. Specifically, it addressed information gaps related to the efficacy, safety and cost-efficiency of injectable sedative medications. It has shown intravenous administration of midazolam-droperidol combination therapy appears to be safe, and produces rapid sedation at less cost than monotherapy with either intravenous droperidol or olanzapine. The research also revealed factors that foster a trusting patient-staff relationships, and explored patients’ needs during and after the behavioural emergency. The information generated will facilitate informed decision-makings and improve the quality of emergency care to this group of patients.