Implementing Behavioral Optimization and Outcomes Support Team in a Medical/Surgical Telemetry Unit

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Quality Improvement
• Patient Safety
• Workplace Violence Prevention

Background:

• Hospitals face significant challenges with staff assaults and violent behaviors, leading to injuries, decreased job satisfaction, and increased healthcare costs.
• In fiscal year 2022, one community hospital recorded 21 staff assaults with injuries and 242 emergency response code green calls for violent behaviors.
• Exposure to workplace violence negatively impacts patient care, staff morale, and organizational finances.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and implement a Behavioral Optimization and Outcome Support Team (BOOST) within a medical-surgical telemetry unit.
• The primary objective was to reduce the incidence of patient-to-staff assaults and injuries.
• To enhance the safety and well-being of healthcare professionals.

Main Methods:

• A 15-week pilot project was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the BOOST intervention.
• The BOOST team comprised registered psychiatric nurses, nursing supervisors, and security officers.
• Data on staff knowledge, satisfaction, BOOST/code green calls, and assaults/injuries were collected and analyzed weekly using run charts.

Main Results:

• Survey data indicated a significant increase in staff knowledge regarding the behavioral response team.
• Staff reported higher levels of satisfaction with the implementation and support provided by BOOST.
• Crucially, zero staff assaults or injuries were reported during the BOOST implementation period.

Conclusions:

• The Behavioral Optimization and Outcome Support Team (BOOST) proved effective in de-escalating challenging patient behaviors.
• The BOOST team successfully provided essential support to nursing staff, mitigating risks.
• Implementing BOOST is a viable strategy for reducing workplace assaults and injuries in healthcare settings.