Gatineau's CISSS introduces short-term Psychiatric Intervention Units
Tashi Farmilo
The Integrated Health and Social Services Centre (CISSS) of Outaouais has taken a revolutionary stride with the introduction of its Short-Term Psychiatric Intervention Unit, commonly referred to as UIBP in its French acronym. This groundbreaking move forms an integral part of the Inter Ministerial Action Plan on Mental Health 2022-2026, fittingly dubbed "Unite for Collective Well-being."
Located at the Gatineau Hospital, the UIBP's core mission is to extend specialized, brief psychiatric interventions designed specifically for individuals in the throes of a crisis. The patients can mainly access these services after a consultation with a psychiatrist from the emergency department. However, with the impending rollout of two additional measures, direct access to the UIBP should be available for specialized rapid intervention teams and mental health community relay teams (ÉSIRRC), and brief intensive treatment teams at home (home hospitalization - TIBD).
With an intended stay ranging from 48 to 72 hours, the unit is perfectly positioned to cater to individuals grappling with acute mental health occurrences, thus seamlessly paving their way back to their residences.
Every individual stepping into the unit is assured a tailored intervention strategy, emphasizing their unique strengths. Such a distinctive approach guarantees their stability and swift return to societal and professional responsibilities. The UIBP pledges unwavering commitment to ensuring a nurturing and safe environment for its patients and medical professionals alike.
These units, grounded in the tenets of mental health best practices, are tailored to reduce extended hospitalizations. They strategically counter the "revolving door" syndrome by actively pushing for the resolution of psychosocial issues.
A driving force behind the UIBP's inception includes the urgency to curtail hospitalization rates for mental health patients, alleviate the strain on emergency departments, and enhance the quality of patient services, among other pressing concerns.
But the CISSS of Outaouais isn't stopping at UIBP. Ambitious plans are underway to bolster mental health support in the region, ranging from launching community-based specialized rapid intervention teams to initiating flagship projects focusing on short-term psychiatric interventions, and the innovative service of intensive brief treatment at home for those with mental disorders.
Undoubtedly, the UIBP brings a plethora of advantages to the Outaouais community. These encompass elevated accessibility for those in dire need, a reduction in hospital stays, improved emergency visits, a therapeutic environment surpassing traditional emergency rooms, family involvement in the healing journey, enhanced patient welfare, crisis resolution without alienating patients from their known environment, and consistent care while nurturing partnerships within the health network.
The UIBP proudly adopts a multidisciplinary approach, advocating for a therapeutic collaboration that is both effective and all-encompassing, ensuring every patient's requirements are addressed in alignment with their recovery journey.
For anglophone community members, it's reassuring to note that these services are accessible in both French and English. Additionally, for those speaking other languages, interpreter-assisted services are available to ensure comprehensive care.
Lionel Carmant, the Minister responsible for Social Services, commended these ventures, remarking, "The UIBP's launch heralds a significant transformation in the Action Plan on Mental Health. It embodies a renewed perspective towards emergency mental health care. Hats off to CISSS of Outaouais for pioneering this initiative!"
