A Triage Scale for Mental Health, an Emerging Practice, a Value-Add for Measuring Demand for Mental Health Services
Objectives The article aims to present two studies supporting the development of l’Échelle brève de triage RIFCAS en santé mentale 0-99 ans, a measuring instrument used to determine – based on the level of customer demand, seriousness, and urgent need for intervention – the priority of a mental health service across all age groups. Methods Both versions have been subject to a measurement interjudge agreement that is compared against the judgment of professionals and other comparison tools. Results The results produced by the interjudge agreement reflect significant correlations with the priorities established by l’Échelle brève de triage RIFCAS en santé mentale 0-99 ans, the judgment of professional experts and the usual instruments used. Conclusion The final version of the triage scale provides an objective measure for the priority that should be given to all mental health service requests – these encompass all recognized and essential clinical information. Clinicians can rely on a reliable and proven instrument to prioritize service requests before placing them on the waiting list. The use of this instrument facilitates the development of a common procedure between professionals and ensures a fair and safe treatment of users.