Paper outlines the development and
implementation in May Journal of Emergency Nursing
SCHAUMBURG, Ill., May 7, 2024
/PRNewswire/ -- The rising pediatric mental health crisis has
put a strain on emergency departments across the country. "The
Development and Implementation of a Pediatric Nursing Emergency
Behavioral Health Assessment Tool" in the May issue of the
Journal of Emergency Nursing addresses the fact there is no
current standardized tool for assessing mental and behavioral
acuity in emergency departments.
Using published evidence, nurse feedback and expert opinion, a
team of researchers created the Emergency Behavioral Health
Assessment Tool to help improve pediatric care in emergency
departments. Acuity levels were captured and suggested
interventions were given based on that level once objectively
captured by the eBHat.
From 2021-2022, approximately 23 patients each day presented to
the emergency department's mental and behavioral health area where
the tool was tested. Since its implementation in August 2021, patient restraint use, as well as
patient and staff injuries, have both declined – though the length
of stay did not change, according to the team's research.
"ED nurses are critical in assessing and advocating for all
their patients, and an understanding of a child's current mental or
behavioral needs during an emergency visit can aid in delivering
appropriate care," said Journal of Emergency Nursing
Editor-in-Chief Anna Valdez, PhD,
RN, PHN, CEN, CFRN, CNE, FAEN, FAADN. "This starts by having an
accurate acuity level of those patients coming in. The eBHat helps
to provide this and guide care-related conversations."
The Journal of Emergency Nursing, ENA's peer-reviewed
academic journal, is published six times a year with original
research and updates from the emergency nursing specialty, while
also covering practice and professional issues.
The May issue can be found online here. Other topics covered
include universal suicidality screening in a pediatric emergency
department and management of pediatric convulsive status
epilepticus.
About the Emergency Nurses Association
The Emergency
Nurses Association is the premier professional nursing association
dedicated to defining the future of emergency nursing through
advocacy, education, research, innovation, and leadership. Founded
in 1970, ENA has proven to be an indispensable resource to the
global emergency nursing community. With nearly 50,000 members
worldwide, ENA advocates for patient safety, develops
industry-leading practice standards and guidelines, and guides
emergency health care public policy. ENA members have expertise in
triage, patient care, disaster preparedness, and all aspects of
emergency care. Additional information is available at
www.ena.org.
ENA Media Contact:
Morgan Wietecha
Media Relations Strategist
847.460.4038
morgan.wietecha@ena.org
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SOURCE Emergency Nurses Association