Lee Memorial Hospital Emergency Department

Fort Myers, Florida

Staff members at Lee Memorial’s 31-bed emergency department are constantly collaborating on new methods to improve both patient and staff safety to minimize violence and promote effective care. Recently, the department implemented a revised collaborative intake process for its mental health population. Through this process, these patients are now treated in a designated private room to reduce unwarranted anxiety and distractions while receiving bedside support from not only the primary RN, but also the ED social worker and public safety officer. Since implementing this approach, the department has not had any incidences of violence. This initiative has proven to decrease the occurrences of patient and staff harm while promoting a safe and calm environment for patients.