Managing acute behavioural disturbance in an emergency department using a behavioural assessment room.
This study was conducted to evaluate a behavioural assessment room (BAR) as a strategy in the management of people exhibiting acute behavioural disturbance in the St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne Emergency Department (ED). The study involved a retrospective audit of the data documented for BAR use over a 12-month period and a structured questionnaire of clinical and non-clinical emergency department staff. Patients managed in the BAR presented with various behaviours; 58% were substance induced. The median duration of stay in the room was 20 minutes, during which assessment and containment or "behavioural resuscitation" proceeded. 98.5% of questionnaire respondents believed that the BAR created a safer environment for all ED patients, staff and others.
Cowling
Susan A
SA
Emergency Practice Innovation Centre, Department of Emergency Medicine, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
McKeon
Margaret A
MA
Weiland
Tracey J
TJ
D000328:Adult; D000342:Affective Symptoms; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010356:Patient Isolation / Q000379:methods*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D017751:Safety Management / Q000458:organization & administration; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014218:Triage / Q000458:organization & administration*; D014739:Victoria