Keywords

clinical protocols, mental health, patient elopement, patient identification systems, safety management methods

Authors

1. Macy, Deborah BSN, RN
2. Johnston, Michelle RN

Abstract

In the emergency department of Mercy Hospital, concerns about possible elopement of mental health patients led to the use of the services of security officers, who were called for an average of 40 patient watches per week. Modified electronic wristbands, paired with a triage protocol, have significantly decreased the need for patient watches and decreased security costs.