Reducing high-risk interventions for managing aggression in psychiatric settings

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Mental Health Interventions
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Seclusion and restraints are traditional methods for managing patient aggression in psychiatric settings.
• There is a growing need to explore and implement less restrictive alternatives.
• Patient empowerment and education are crucial for reducing reliance on high-risk interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of new tools in reducing the use of seclusion and restraints.
• To assess the impact of an anger management assessment tool and the "Triangle of Choices" on patient behavior.
• To promote the adoption of less restrictive measures in psychiatric care.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of an anger management assessment tool and the "Triangle of Choices" at an institution.
• Documentation of alternative interventions used for psychiatric emergencies.
• Tracking the frequency of seclusion and restraint use over a 1-year period.

Main Results:

• Increased implementation of documented alternatives to restraints.
• Decreased use of the most restrictive measures (seclusion and restraints).
• Patients showed improved identification and management of anger and frustration.

Conclusions:

• Anger management tools and alternative strategies can significantly reduce the need for seclusion and restraints.
• The "Triangle of Choices" empowers patients to manage emotions, leading to safer environments.
• Adopting innovative, less restrictive interventions enhances patient care and safety in psychiatric emergencies.