Care of the Behavioral Health Patient
Behavioral health encompasses many facets. Healthcare providers must be knowledgeable of the issues, risks and responses associated with these behaviors. The following information assists in the treatment of behavioral patients that present in many healthcare settings. Education is provided for patients, families and healthcare workers to reduce these risks and improve safety when caring for psychiatric patients.
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National Health Service Corps: NHSC Comprehensive Behavioral Health Services Checklist
A checklist to assess comprehensive behavioral health service elements.
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Quick Safety Issue 53
Article by The Joint Commission that discusses the value of psychiatric advanced directives and offers information on how to these can be developed with patients.
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Advance Directive for Mental Health Treatment
Sample psychiatric advanced directive forms developed by the Office of Mental Health and Mental Health Advocacy Service.
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Infographic: Navigating a Mental Health Crisis
An informational poster developed by the National Alliance on Mental Illness that can be used by any healthcare organization. This poster can be used to educate patients and families or even staff members regarding mental health crisis and how to respond in an emergency.
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NAMI: Guide to Navigating a Mental Health Crisis
A guide developed by the National Alliance on Mental Illness designed to provide individuals with mental illness and their families with support and resources. This guide provides a wealth of information on understanding mental illness, what to do in a mental health crisis and what to expect from treatment. It also includes a helpful portable treatment record that aids individuals and families in keeping up with health information and developing a plan of action for mental health crises.
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National Institute of Mental Health
NIMH provides resources on mental health topics and diseases based on conducted research.
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Treatment Advocacy Center-Louisiana
This resource provides a description of the laws in Louisiana regarding the treatment of mental health patients.
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Webinar: Safe Management of Behavioral Health Patients in the ED
The Emergency Department is the primary care provider for patients suffering behavioral or substance abuse diagnoses in most communities. The ED is a treatment setting that is often not designed for staff to safely manage this population.
This presentation focuses on the inherent risks related to the care of behavioral patients in the ED and strategies that can work to prevent harm to both patients and staff. It will also provide helpful tools attendees can utilize in their organizations to assist in risk mitigation.
- Identify the degree to which behavioral health patients present in the ED.
- Describe the major risks associated with behavioral health patients in the ED.
- Discuss strategies to mitigate the risk of harm to staff and patients in the ED.
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Safe Management of Behavioral Health Patients in the ED Presentation
Click to view the presentation slides used in the Safe Management of Behavioral Health Patients in the ED Presentation webinar.
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Emergency Department Brief Behavioral Health Risk Assessment Tool
This tool assists our members in identifying potential risks in the emergency room setting related to behavioral health patients. The assessment guides the organization in a comprehensive evaluation of processes and protocols that should be in place to ensure a safe environment for the behavioral health population.