Behavioral Emergencies (continued)

Tips for patient interaction

Dealing with psychiatric patients takes skill, here are some tips to help you on your next encounter:

Be sure you identify yourself and you role so not to be confused with law enforcement, etc.
Speak slowly and clearly using a calm and reassuring voice.
Listen to the patient, you can show that your listening by repeating part of what the patient says back to him as you understand them.
Do not be judgmental, show compassion and not pity.
Use positive body language, avoid crossing your arms or looking uninterested.
Acknowledge that you understand how the patient feels.
Do not get to close to the patient stay at least 3 feet back or you'll be entering their "personal space" which can cause a feeling of confinement.
Be alert for changes in the patient emotional status, watching for increased aggressive behavior and take appropriate action to insure your safety.
In speaking with the patient perform as much as an assessment as possible. Be alert for medical or traumatic problems which could be the cause.
Gather a thorough medical history which could point you to past problems.

Be alert for your personal safety by being aware of the environment, what the patient is doing, and other people on the scene.
Be alert for medical or traumatic conditions that could mimic a behavioral emergency.
Be prepared to spend time talking to the patient. Talk in a clam reassuring voice using positive body language and good eye contact. Avoid unnecessary physical contact and quick movements.
Encourage the patient to talk about what is bothering them.
Don't play along with any hallucinations that a patient may be having
Don't lie to the patient
If it appears it will help, you may involve family members or friends in the conversation, however evaluate the response of the patient and removing those that cause the patient to become agitated.