Evaluating staff use of crisis prevention intervention techniques: a pilot study

Area of Science:

• Psychiatric Nursing
• Behavioral Health Interventions
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Effective crisis management is crucial in psychiatric settings.
• Reducing seclusion, restraint, and injuries is a primary goal.
• Standardized interventions like Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) aim to de-escalate patient crises.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of staff's application of CPI techniques.
• To assess CPI's impact on averting crisis episodes at different levels (anxiety, defensive, acting out).
• To determine if CPI use reduces seclusion, restraint, and patient/staff injuries.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive correlational research design was employed.
• Nurse observers trained in CPI techniques collected data through direct observation of patient incidents and staff interventions.
• A 51-item CPI instrument, based on CPI training program techniques, was utilized for data collection.

Main Results:

• 146 observations of patient incidents were conducted across day and evening shifts.
• Staff utilization of CPI techniques proved effective in resolving crises in 84.2% of observed episodes.
• CPI effectiveness was consistent across diverse diagnostic and functional patient levels.

Conclusions:

• Staff adherence to CPI training program techniques is effective in crisis resolution.
• CPI interventions show promise in reducing the need for seclusion and restraint.
• Implementing CPI techniques can contribute to a safer environment for both patients and staff.