Study explores patients’ perceptions of behavioral flags in emergency department

A study has been published investigating patient perceptions and perceived benefits and harms regarding the use of behavioral flags. Academic Emergency Medicine. study titled “Patient perceptions of behavioral flags in the emergency department: A qualitative analysis.” observed that little is known about how patients perceive behavioral cues and the differences detected in their placement.

As hospitals grapple with rising levels of violence emergency room (ED), various security measures have been implemented, including behavior flags. These electronic health record (EHR)-based notifications alert future clinicians to past incidents of potentially threatening patient behavior. However, racial disparities observed in their placements may inadvertently cause bias in patient care.

The lead author of this article is Rachel E. Gonzales, MPH, Center for Outcomes-Oriented Analysis, University of Pennsylvania. Using qualitative methods, Gonzales and colleagues concluded that patient perspectives on the use of behavioral cues in the ED vary.

While many patients see flags as useful tools to alleviate violence, they also express concerns. negative effects on care, transparency and equity.

By incorporating patient perspectives to improve behavioral signals, hospitals and health systems can ensure that these notifications are used in a way that balances maintaining safety in the emergency department with maintaining safety in the emergency department. patient carerespect and equality.

Provided by the Academic Emergency Medicine Association