JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

A mental health crisis can cause challenges for individuals, families, and communities. This multi-faceted issue often involves different professionals from law enforcement and healthcare systems, which may lead to siloed and suboptimal care. The Virtual Crisis Care (VCC) program was developed to provide rural law enforcement access to behavioral health professionals and facilitated collaborative care via telehealth technology.

Objective:

This study was designed to evaluate the implementation and utilization of a virtual crisis care program from a telehealth hub to law enforcement in rural areas.

Methods:

This study used a mixed-methods approach. The quantitative data came from the telehealth hub’s electronic record system. The qualitative data came from in-depth interviews with law enforcement in the 18 counties that adopted the VCC program.

Results:

Across the 181 VCC encounters, the telehealth hub's recommended disposition and the actual disposition were similar for remaining in place (77.9% and 75.7%, respectively), voluntary admission (5.0% and 5.5%, respectively), and involuntary committal (14.9% and 10.5%, respectively). Qualitative insights related to the VCC program's implementation, utilization, benefits, and challenges were identified, providing a comprehensive view of the virtual partnership between rural law enforcement and behavioral health professionals.

Conclusions:

Utilization of the VCC program likely averted unnecessary involuntary committals. Law enforcement interviewed affirmed the positive impact of VCC due to its ease of use and the benefits it provided to the individuals in need, the first responders involved, law enforcement resources, and the community. Clinical Trial: NA.