Inspira Medical Center Elmer Emergency Department

Elmer, New Jersey

Over the past four quarters, the Inspira Medical Center Elmer ED achieved a sustained reduction in restraint use through a proactive, interdisciplinary approach grounded in patient-centered, trauma-informed care. Nursing-led early identification of triggers and individualized care planning, combined with physician management of underlying clinical conditions, enabled timely interventions before behaviors escalated. Collaboration with the Workplace Violence Prevention team strengthened de-escalation skills, while security partnered in prevention efforts that supported a therapeutic environment. Ongoing review of restraint events and outcomes drove continuous improvement, resulting in a quarter-over-quarter reduction in restraints from six to three, with zero restraints since the end of the second quarter of 2025.

Evidence-based practice is embedded within the department’s shared governance structure and High Reliability Organization framework, supported by evidence-based practice mentors, Nursing Quality Council members, clinical specialists and the Research Council. Staff engagement is further strengthened through participation in professional organizations and conferences that promote emerging best practices. A recent EBP initiative addressed prolonged triage assignments through a literature review and evaluation of ENA and ACEP recommendations. Reducing triage assignment duration from 12 to 6 hours resulted in patient satisfaction scores increasing from 75 to 91 and staff reporting significantly less emotional exhaustion.