Forensic Hospital in the US

Please describe a relationship, service intervention, program implementation, policy, or other that you initiated or know about that would be considered trauma-informed:

Forensic Hospital in the US

 

What was the outcome?  

0 Restraints and Seclusion

 

What supported the positive outcome? (systemic supports? Organizational supports? Interpersonal supports?):

The staff studied the high rate of restraints used on the unit, identified time of day it was usually happening, and events surrounding it. They realized that the people being brought to the unit had been in a van all day, or sitting in court in handcuffs, chains, and that they were not fed or given water. Smokers were told by police that once they got to the unit they could smoke – but there is a no smoking policy on the ward. People arrived hungry, angry, frightened. As soon as they heard from unit staff no smoking, they panicked , exploded, had intense emotional reactions. People who didn't smoke, once out of handcuffs also had huge emotional responses that led to restraints. The staff changed the intake procedure. When a patient in handcuffs arrived, they hurried the police to free the person, welcoming him or her, bringing food and drink immediately, sitting with the person saying, “We are so glad you finally got to us. You’ve had a long day. I bet you are exhausted. What do you most need right now?” This relational approach provided connection, and also helped the person calm down. They were seen as individuals who’d had a rough, rough go of it.

 

In what way has your example changed you, your practice or your goals:

It’s just so do-able!!!

 

 

Tell us more about what motivated you to bring this example to discuss:

S/R is a major issue on hospital wards where there are high rates of assaults on staff and other patients. Humanizing care has brought staff and patients into collaborative relationships, and has naturally grown peer support among the patient community.

 

Whose needs are met in the example that you outline:

Everyone’s.

 

Was there any one person or factor that was central to the success of your example and why:

Yes. The Unit Director who was visible, engaged, and side by side with staff.

 

What can you or others do to spread this good practice to colleagues and services:

Hang out with people like you.