The organization analyzed about 2,400 event reports involving patients with behavioral health needs in nonpsychiatric acute care settings.
Over half of the events involved patient violence against others; less than half were categorized as emotional or mental health manifestations. In 81 incidents, patients suffered temporary or minor harm. In three incidents, patients suffered major or permanent harm. In one event, the patient died.
“Behavioral health issues have been one of our top 10 patient safety concerns for the past three years,” said William Marella, ECRI Institute executive director of PSO Operations and Analytics. “Our close work with healthcare providers identifies flashpoints in care delivery and highlights patient needs that often aren’t met.”
The researchers found many general acute care units are not well-equipped to meet these patients’ needs, and staff are often unaware of the patient’s behavioral health needs until a crisis happens.
A failure to meet patients’ behavioral health needs negatively affects patient safety, care quality and satisfaction among staff and patients, the researchers said.
To view ECRI’s executive brief on the report, click here.
More articles on clinical leadership and infection control:
CHS Pennsylvania hospital addresses 19 health violations found in surprise visit
1 year after Hurricane Harvey, case study finds hospital staff sickened by donated meal
Hospital C. diff reduced with washable mattress cover, study finds
