CINCINNATI, OH--(Marketwired - Apr 22, 2015) - Hospital emergency departments (ED) across the nation are being challenged by dramatic increases in the number of patients with mental disorders, substance abuse problems or both, who present with acute problems.

Besides the mental health conditions such as schizophrenia, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, alcohol and drug disorders and intent to self-harm, these patients often have other medical problems including diabetes, liver disease and various infections. This has become a national problem and often leads to disastrous consequences for the patient when the ED and staff are not prepared to treat mental health patients. 

ED Psychiatric Patient Management System
To address these mental health patient safety and quality of care issues, Compass Clinical Consulting experts developed the ED Psychiatric Patient Management System as a comprehensive approach to consistently deliver best practices in the care of psychiatric patients in the emergency department. This new system provides adaptable tools to ensure the ED staff is well prepared to address psychiatric patient needs and consistently use these tools to achieve patient treatment goals. It ensures a safe environment that protects both patients and staff from harm.

Through the ED Psychiatric Patient Management System, experts in behavioral health, emergency medicine, environment of care and life safety partner with organizational leaders to build a systemic method of care to provide safer mental health services in the ED.

The ED Psychiatric Patient Management System leads to:

• Better care and patient safety
• Reduced costs and risk
• Increased staff engagement

In addition, the ED Psychiatric Patient Management System has rapid implementation, real-time adjustments and performance tracking abilities, including a review of how patients are prepared for discharge from the hospital and the plan for post-hospital care.

Related:
Treatment of Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health Patients in the Emergency Room (ER)
Using ED & ER Mock Surveys to Prepare for Hospital Regulatory Surveys
Improving Treatment of Mental Health Patients in the Emergency Room

About
Founded in 1979 and based in Cincinnati, OH, Compass Clinical Consulting helps hospitals and health systems deliver safe, quality patient care through operational performance improvement, clinical management systems, and accreditation and clinical compliance readiness and response services. Compass also places change-agent interim healthcare executives and clinical managers.