Safety of Behavioral Health Patients in the Emergency Department

The medical center experienced a 115 percent increase in behavioral health (BH) patients presenting in the ED when the state hospital and two other local hospitals closed their BH units.

In 2008, a separate BH area in the ED was developed to create a soothing and safe environment for these patients. Outcomes included a decrease in security “standbys” for high-risk patients in the main ED by 33 percent and a decreased length of stay for BH patients in the ED by 30 minutes.

Partners in the project were successful in creating a significantly safer environment with no patient/staff injuries due to the environment since the new area opened. Unanticipated success occurred in reduced elopements (61 percents) and restraints (22 percent).

This case study is part of the Illinois Hospital Association's annual quality awards. Each year, IHA recognizes and celebrates the achievements of Illinois hospitals in continually improving and transforming health care in the state. These hospitals are improving health by striving to achieve the Triple Aim--improving the patient experience of care (including quality and satisfaction); improving the health of populations; and reducing the per capita cost of health care.

Award recipients achieve measurable and meaningful progress in providing care that is:

• Safe
• Timely
• Effective
• Efficient
• Equitable
• Patient-centered

(The Institute of Medicine's six aims for improvement.)