Page 10 - Guide to PICU

Calling the On-Call Psychiatrist

Reasons to Call
 Significant change in acuity or mental status
 A fall with harm

 Significant change in vitals or medical status
 New admission

 MH Form expiring
 Urgent intervention needed – prn order, restraint order, chemical restraint
 Safety Risk – violence, AWOL, suicide, self-harm

Before you Call
 Assess your patient so you have the most up-to-date information available including

mental status, time of last prn or medication, interventions tried so far
 Make sure you are clear on why you are calling and what you need from the physician.
Use SBAR

 See attached template “Prep for Team Review”, which can help you organize your
information

When you Reach the Doctor

 Do not be vague – “we have a problem with a patient…”, “I need you to come see a
patient”.
 Clearly state the reason for your call. Give the patient name, age, diagnosis, form status

and other information relevant to the situation.
 Make it clear what you are asking for – restraint order, patient assessment etc

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