Free Standard AU & NZ Shipping For All Book Orders Over $80!
Register      Login
Australian Health Review Australian Health Review Society
Journal of the Australian Healthcare & Hospitals Association
RESEARCH ARTICLE

Managing acute behavioural disturbance in an emergency department using a behavioural assessment room

Susan A Cowling, Margaret A McKeon and Tracey J Weiland

Australian Health Review 31(2) 296 - 304
Published: 2007

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate a behavioural assessment room (BAR) as a strategy in the management of people exhibiting acute behavioural disturbance in the St Vincent?s Hospital, Melbourne Emergency Department (ED). The study involved a retrospective audit of the data documented for BAR use over a 12-month period and a structured questionnaire of clinical and nonclinical emergency department staff. Patients managed in the BAR presented with various behaviours; 58% were substance induced. The median duration of stay in the room was 20 minutes, during which assessment and containment or ?behavioural resuscitation? proceeded. 98.5% of questionnaire respondents believed that the BAR created a safer environment for all ED patients, staff and others.

https://doi.org/10.1071/AH070296

© AHHA 2007

Committee on Publication Ethics

PDF (247 KB) Export Citation

Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn Share via Email

View Dimensions