Telepsychiatric assessment of a mariner expressing suicidal ideation

Alexander Lee; Neal Sikka; Francis O’Connell; Allen Dyer; Keith Boniface; James Betz

doi:10.5603/IMH.2015.0012

Vol 66, No 1 (2015)

Case report

Submitted: 2015-03-19

Accepted: 2015-03-19

Published online: 2015-03-19

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Telepsychiatric assessment of a mariner expressing suicidal ideation

Alexander Lee, Neal Sikka, Francis O’Connell, Allen Dyer, Keith Boniface, James Betz

DOI: 10.5603/IMH.2015.0012

Pubmed: 25792168

IMH 2015;66(1):49-51.

Vol 66, No 1 (2015)

MARITIME PSYCHOLOGY Case report

Submitted: 2015-03-19

Accepted: 2015-03-19

Published online: 2015-03-19

Abstract

This case report highlights the successful use of telepsychiatric consultation by secure video chat to remotely assess a mariner expressing suicidal ideation. As a result of this intervention, telemedicine providers initiated psychiatric stabilisation while the mariner was still aboard the vessel, determined that he was safe for repatriation under the care of qualified medical escorts, and facilitated admission to a psychiatric facility near his home in the United States. Mental health emergencies are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among mariners. Telepsychiatry is a validated method of establishing a psychiatric diagnosis and disposition as well as assessing risk of suicidality and the potential for violent decompensation. It has the potential to be a valuable adjunct to any traditional maritime telemedicine service.