Finalist: Excellence in the Provision of Mental Health Services Award
Adolescent Psychiatric Inpatient Units (IPUs) face difficulties in managing challenging behaviours that are unique in the hospital environment. Enforcing 'rules' can often trigger adverse incidents, such as self-harm and aggression. The Brolga IPU at Hornsby Hospital created a project that sets clear clinical guidelines for managing behaviour in adolescent psychiatric IPUs.
The team consulted with 6 adolescent psychiatric IPUs across NSW Health and reviewed current literature and policies from Northern Sydney Local Health District and other districts. Qualitative focus groups were held with staff and adolescent patients, and quantitative surveys were done before the project began.
The team developed a new behavioural management framework based on three core principles: rewards; carer-inclusion and time-off from the unit for patients. These changes were rolled out to staff and patients via a 6-month education campaign. Analysis of negative incidents suggested a 65% reduction in self-harm and aggression episodes and readmission rates lowered from 42% to 27% in the 6 months following.
Meet the other finalists for the Excellence in the Provision of Mental Health Services Award.
