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Crisis De-Escalation Project with Women
Psychiatric Inpatients
Staff:
Jessica Jonikas, M.A., Judith A. Cook, Ph.D., Alexandra Laris, M.A.
Purpose:
The purpose of this study is two-fold: 1) to determine the prevalence of trauma histories among a sample of psychiatric inpatients in Chicago, and
2) to assess whether Crisis De-Escalation Plans (DEPs) help prevent crises among patients while hospitalized, and thus, reduce subsequent utilization of restraint and seclusion and increase patients' well-being and
coping mastery.
Currently, project staff have completed an extensive medical record review of the case files of those women inpatients who were restrained or secluded at a local university hospital during a two-year time period, and
a random sample of women on the same inpatient unit during that time who were not restrained or secluded. These data are being analyzed to determine patterns of antecedents to restraint or seclusion, as well
as patient and staff characteristics which may be associated with the use of these procedures. Project staff also are analyzing data regarding 91 inpatients with whom development of Crisis De-Escalation Plans
was attempted/completed, in conjunction with the inpatient staff, during a six-month time period. Research questions of interest include demographic information regarding those who did and did not complete
DEPs, types of crisis precipitants commonly listed by the inpatients, and types of calming techniques/strategies most often identified by the inpatients. Analysis also will determine relationships between
types of triggers and calming techniques identified and patient demographics. Finally, project staff are preparing a procedural manual regarding how to implement a comprehensive Advance Crisis Planning
Program, using client-driven crisis de-escalation plans, in hospitals, residential facilities, and community-based mental health agencies.
For more information regarding this
project, please email Jessica
Jonikas, M.A. or phone her at (312) 413.4522.
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