Do older patients with mental health presentations stay in the emergency department longer than younger patients? – A retrospective study

Lifeng ChenThe Princess Alexandra Hospital, Metro South , Addiction and Mental Health Services, School of Medicine, The Princess Alexandra Hospital, The Princess Alexandra Hospital, The University of Queensland, QLD Australia, Marianne WyderMetro South Addiction and Mental Health Services, Upper Mt Gravatt, QLD Australia, Steve KiselySchool of Medicine, The Princess Alexandra Hospital, The University of Queensland

Australasian Psychiatry

Published online on December 04, 2025

Abstract

Australasian Psychiatry, Volume 34, Issue 2, Page 189-193, April 2026.
ObjectiveThis study aimed to analyse the differences in Emergency Departments (EDs) length of stay (LOS) for mental health (MH) presentations between older patients (aged 65 and above) and younger adults, identifying factors contributing to longer stays....