Preventing aggression in a pediatric inpatient unit: a best practice implementation project.

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Evidence-Based Practice
• Pediatric Mental Health

Background:

• Increasing rates of aggressive behavior from pediatric patients with mental health issues in inpatient settings.
• Need for improved staff preparedness and intervention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To implement and evaluate best practices for preventing patient aggression in a pediatric inpatient unit.
• To improve staff's ability to manage and prevent aggressive patient behavior.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the JBI Model of Evidence-Based Healthcare and Implementation Framework.
• Conducted baseline and follow-up audits using eight evidence-based practices.
• Implemented strategies including unit protocols and electronic health record modifications.

Main Results:

• Identified gaps in policy, trigger identification, and care plan use.
• Developed a unit protocol, trigger documentation process, and electronic health record aggression care plan.
• Overall compliance with evidence-based practices increased from 30% to 34%.

Conclusions:

• The evidence implementation project showed a modest increase in compliance with best practices.
• The project has potential long-term benefits for staff preparedness in managing pediatric patient aggression.
• Continued work is necessary to further enhance compliance and patient safety.