Evaluating Short-Stay Admissions and Referral to Pediatric Liaison Psychiatry: A Mixed-Methods Study in a Tertiary Hospital in Ireland

The authors aimed to characterize the demographic, clinical, and service features of short-stay pediatric liaison psychiatry admissions in a tertiary pediatric hospital and compare these with longer admissions. Their findings revealed that short-stay admissions are primarily driven by acute mental health crises, often involving self-harm or suicidality, and highlight the emergency department's role as a critical access point for youth mental health care. The study underscores the need for improved multidisciplinary crisis management and alternative care models to address the high acuity of these cases.