2018 TNA and TSNA Joint Annual Conference

2018 TNA-TSNA JOINT CONFERENCE | ADVOCACY IN ACTION
Objectives:
The Shared Governance team in an outpatient mental health setting of a unionized federal hospital.
The group chose their first project to review the VA policy Special Hazard Food and Beverages will be
consumed in the direct patient care rooms by consensus and identified champions and set time lines.
Methods/Procedures:
Using the 5S model of Improvement. Consisting of consultation of regulatory agencies referenced in the
policy (The Joint Commission and Center for Disease Control). Literature review and other VA outpatient
mental health centers were contacted.
Findings:
Improved professional work environment, understanding of the patient care area within the outpatient
mental health setting, definition of exposure as it relates to infection control, identified designated area
to eat meals, obtained a larger table to eat in the designated break area, post -shared governance staff
satisfaction scores improved overall.
Recommendations for Practice/Research:
Shared Governance can be initiated in the most resistant cultures. Clinical staff professional identities are
transformed; they become patient focused, autonomous and more satisfied with their practice. Investigation
into the impact of using shared governance on professional identity in similar environment is needed.
ED Protocol for Patients Presenting with Mental Illness
Kathryn A. Berger (Presenter)
Problem Addressed:
Appropriate Emergency Department treatment during a mental health exacerbation episode for a patient.
A State of TN task force met and developed a protocol that should be used for patients who present to the
ED in an active mental health crisis.
Objectives:
The attendees will have an understanding of the mental health patient care process, requirements for
admission to a State of Tennessee mental health hospital and the protocol for treating these patients on
presentation to an ED.
Methods/Procedures:
Discussion/written presentation will include the treatment protocol for mental health patients and the path
these patients take from the presentation of their symptoms to admission to a State-operated mental health
facility.
Findings:
This is a relatively new process, I am not sure if definitive data has been ascertained but if this data is
available, it will be included.
Recommendations for Practice/Research:
The recommendation is that all Emergency Departments in Tennessee adopt this protocol, train their staff
on the importance of using it. Data collection on the decrease in admission to an acute mental health
facility and frequency of ED visits for these patients will determine to efficacy of using the protocol.
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