Management of acute agitation in Hong Kong and comparisons with Australasia.

Background: Little is known about the use of sedation drugs for the management of acute agitation in Hong Kong's Accident and Emergency Departments (AEDs) and how it compares with Australasian practice.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine drug preferences, clinicians' perceived confidence in management, barriers/gaps in training and perceived usefulness of existing clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) in Hong Kong.

Method: A validated questionnaire was used, with case vignettes typical of patients presenting to AEDs with acute agitation.