Rehab administrators answer questions regarding Behavioral Health/De-escalation Strategies. IPRC archives information collected by the Pediatric Rehab Administrator’s ListServ as a public service to the entire Pediatric Rehabilitation Community. All information is posted in summary format and has been de-identified. Search through past queries for responses to rehabilitation related questions.

Original Questions: 

1. How are staff educated on understanding patient behavior, mental health crises, and trauma-informed care practices to prevent/ handle patient escalations?
2. What types of de-escalation techniques are taught to staff to handle outbursts related to confusion or agitation, and how frequently are they trained or refreshed on these skills?
3. What resources are staff offered in working with behavioral patients to ensure their safety (e.g. 1:1’s, protective gear)?
4. Do you have any standard procedures in your intake process to identify any baseline behavioral health concerns and recommended approaches to help support the client in the admission and/or course of treatment?
5. How do you handle behavioral issues (confusion/agitation) during therapy sessions when demands are placed on the patient? 
6. Is there a “buddy system” or a policy that encourages staff to work in pairs or groups when dealing with high-risk patients or situations?

Summary of Responses (de-identified)