Svetlana Yakov1, Badari Birur2, Melissa F Bearden3, Barbara Aguilar4, Kinjal J Ghelani5, Rachel E Fargason6. 1. 1 Svetlana Yakov, MD, University of Alabama at Birmingham, AL, USA. 2. 2 Badari Birur, MD, University of Alabama at Birmingham, AL, USA. 3. 3 Melissa F. Bearden, MACN, OT/L, University of Alabama at Birmingham, AL, USA. 4. 4 Barbara Aguilar, BSN-BC, RN, University of Alabama at Birmingham, AL, USA. 5. 5 Kinjal J. Ghelani, MD, University of Alabama at Birmingham, AL, USA. 6. 6 Rachel E. Fargason, MD, University of Alabama at Birmingham, AL, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Impaired sensory gating in patients with acute mental illness predisposes to overstimulation and behavioral dyscontrol. OBJECTIVE: Explore use of sensory reduction interventions on a high-acuity inpatient milieu to reduce high assault/restraint rates. DESIGN: A multidisciplinary team using failure mode and effect analysis to explore high restraint use between 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. observed patient/staff overstimulation contributed to behavioral escalations. The team implemented sensory reduction/integration improvements over a 5-month period to prevent excessive restraint use. RESULTS: Restraint rates dropped immediately following light and sound reduction interventions and by 72% at 11 months postimplementation. Mann-Whitney statistics for unpaired 6-month comparisons, 1-year pre- and postintervention showed significant reductions: Assault rates (median pre = 1.37, post = 0.18, U = 4, p = .02); Restraint rates (median pre = 0.50, post = 0.06, U = 0, p = .002). CONCLUSION: Sensory reduction during a high-stress time period on a high-acuity psychiatric unit was associated with a reduction in assaults and restraints.
BACKGROUND: Impaired sensory gating in patients with acute mental illness predisposes to overstimulation and behavioral dyscontrol. OBJECTIVE: Explore use of sensory reduction interventions on a high-acuity inpatient milieu to reduce high assault/restraint rates. DESIGN: A multidisciplinary team using failure mode and effect analysis to explore high restraint use between 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. observed patient/staff overstimulation contributed to behavioral escalations. The team implemented sensory reduction/integration improvements over a 5-month period to prevent excessive restraint use. RESULTS: Restraint rates dropped immediately following light and sound reduction interventions and by 72% at 11 months postimplementation. Mann-Whitney statistics for unpaired 6-month comparisons, 1-year pre- and postintervention showed significant reductions: Assault rates (median pre = 1.37, post = 0.18, U = 4, p = .02); Restraint rates (median pre = 0.50, post = 0.06, U = 0, p = .002). CONCLUSION: Sensory reduction during a high-stress time period on a high-acuity psychiatric unit was associated with a reduction in assaults and restraints.