Short-Stay Crisis Units in the Emergency Department: Current Landscape and Evidence on Safety and Effectiveness: Health Systems
Abstract
The challenge: • Emergency departments (EDs) in Canada are experiencing ongoing overcrowding, with a growing number of visits related to mental health and substance use crises. These settings are typically not ideal for delivering mental health care due to a lack of privacy and an overstimulating environment, contributing to poor patient experiences, repeat visits, and highlighting broader gaps in accessible and effective community-based services. Short-stay crisis units (SSCUs) aim to address these challenges by providing rapid assessment and brief stabilization in a more therapeutic care setting.
The evidence: • This report draws on evidence from a pan-Canadian survey of hospital-based, SSCUs and a rapid review of published evidence on the safety and effectiveness of these units in improving mental health outcomes and alleviating overcrowding in EDs. We searched key resources, including journal citation databases, and conducted a focused internet search for relevant evidence published since 2015.
What we found: • We received responses from 10 relevant units in 7 jurisdictions across Canada. The findings suggest a highly variable landscape. SSCUs in Canada differ in name, model of care, staffing, referral pathways, capacity, and length of stay targets. All units were open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and did not charge fees. Those who responded described clear benefits including a safer and calmer space for patients experiencing a crisis, fewer unnecessary inpatient…
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