Using the police cell as intervention in mental health crises: Qualitative approach to an interdisciplinary practice and its possible consequences

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to analyze the views of patients, police-officers and emergency mental health workers on the use of the police cell as intervention in a mental health crisis. Design and Methods: We analyzed interviews with individuals involved in police cell interventions, found first labels and categorized them in concordance with the four principles of biomedical ethics and compared them to relevant scientific literature. Findings and Practical Implications: Professionals should know that emergency mental healthcare aimed at controlling the situation is not enough to provide good care. It probably generates better outcomes for patients in the short and long term when patient experiences are taken into consideration.