Solimine, Susan , Takeshita, Junji , Goebert, Deborah , Lee, June , Schultz, Brian , GUERRERO ALONSO, MARISOL, Tanael, Michael , Pilar, Mark , Fleming, Loraine , Kracher, Stacy , Lawyer, Leah
No
Psychosomatics
Article
Científica
3
2
1.541
01/01/2018
000418715900008
Background: The use of constant observers ("sitters") has been common practice in many medical centers to maintain patient safety. Results: A retrospective chart review of patients who required sitters from October 1, 2007 to September 31, 2013 at a large, private hospital serving a multiethnic community showed that the top reasons for sitters include suicide risk, agitation, fall risk, interfering with medical devices, and confusion) disorientation. Sitters were used for a mean of 3.4 days ranging from 1 to 287 days, with a mean hospital length of stay of 18.9 days. Although 42.4% of all cases with sitters had a psychiatric consultation, psychiatry was consulted on only 8.5% of those with agitation, 6.3% of those who were disoriented, and 12.7% of those with decisional capacity concerns. Psychiatry was consulted on 87.4% of patients with a constant observer for suicide risks. Sitters were most often discontinued when behaviors improved or when patients were discharged. Conclusion: This information will be useful for understanding the optimal way to implement a program that will increase patient safety and decrease cost.
Constant observer; Consultation-Liaison psychiatry; Epidemiology