One in four Americans ages 18 and older experiences a behavioral health illness or substance abuse disorder each year and the majority of those individuals have a comorbid physical health condition. Many of these individuals enter care without having their underlying behavioral health disorder addressed. These patients typically have poor medical outcomes and higher rates of utilization compared to the general population without a comorbid behavioral health diagnosis. With a cohesive, patient-centered system of care, hospitals, physician practices and payers can incorporate services that address all of the patient’s needs and can work to achieve the Triple Aim—better care, better health and lower costs.
Healthcare systems are looking for a more comprehensive and integrated approach toward delivering health care. Integrating …show more content…
Involuntary confinement of the patient alone in a room or an area where the patient is physically prevented from leaving; a situation where a patient is restricted to a room or area alone and staff physically intervenes to prevent the patient from leaving is also considered seclusion.
Seclusion can only be used for the management of violent behavior that jeopardizes the immediate physical safety of the patient, a staff member, or others. Seclusion should not be used for punishment, coercion, or threat. Seclusion is generally considered less restrictive than restraint, unless the patient expresses a preference for restraint, in which instance that preference should be considered.
Seclusion is used in circumstances when a patient is temporarily unable to control impulses or surges of emotion leading to behavior that might harm someone else. Seclusion is not safe for patients who might harm themselves (for example, patients who bang their heads). A locked seclusion room should also be avoided if the patient has medical problems because of the difficulty observing subtle signs of cardiac and respiratory