2024 Nursing Annual Report

Behavioral Health

4 DEARTH: Increasing Acuity and Responsive Action: One of the key indicators we track for inpatient behavioral health acuity is the number of patients requiring increased observation (1:1 or 2:1 supervision). In 2024, we saw a significant rise in this metric, with record highs in April, October, and November. Compared to 2023—our previous highest year—we experienced a 43% increase. In fact, 24% or more of our patients required increased observation throughout the year. To better understand and address this trend, a multidisciplinary group of frontline team members joined an SPS Learning Teams cohort. Their insights were shared with our Performance Improvement (PI) team, the SPS collaborative, and the COA IPBH leadership team. A primary recommendation that emerged from the SPS wide group was the creation of a Patient Behavioral Event (PBE) simulation scenario. We have now integrated the guided, participant-led activity into our Behavioral Health Bootcamp. This scenario gives team members a realistic, hands-on experience managing a PBE that results in restraints—helping reduce anxiety around encountering these events in realtime. Following each simulation, team members debrief and ask questions. NATURE HALL: Ensuring Access to Behavioral Health Care: In 2024, Nature Hall recorded a record 4,411 patient encounters. Most notably, no patient left without being seen—a major achievement when compared to our previous average of 40+ psychiatric patients leaving the emergency department (ED) without treatment prior to Nature Hall’s opening. Given that suicide remains a leading cause of death among the populations we serve, ensuring that every patient seeking help receives care is a critical step forward and a point of immense pride for the team. 5 DEARTH – PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE: Though 5 Dearth officially opened in February 2025, extensive preparatory work took place throughout 2024. All charge nurses and staff nurses were hired and began specialized training well ahead of the unit’s launch. The physical space itself underwent multiple inspections by the IPBH leadership and frontline teams. Their feedback helped shape an environment that is not only safe but also welcoming and therapeutic for our behavioral health patients.

DART REDUCTION: One of our 2024 goals was to reduce DART (Days Away, Restricted or Transferred) incidents related to PBEs by 10%. Thanks to focused training and education, we achieved a 36% reduction in these incidents. NEW HIRE ENGAGEMENT: Coffee Reception Initiative: In 2024, we also introduced the “New Hire Coffee Reception” for all new inpatient behavioral health staff. Inspired by The Power of Moments , which highlights how powerful experiences can bring elevation, pride, insight, and connection, we identified a new hire’s first day as a key opportunity to create a meaningful and memorable experience. This bi-weekly reception features a fun coffee bar and doughnuts—but more importantly, it offers new team members the chance to meet and connect with our IPBH leadership. We use this time to introduce ourselves, explain how to reach us, and encourage open communication. New hires also meet others in their starting cohort, and—time permitting—we include icebreaker questions to spark personal connections. This initiative has helped foster a culture of approachability, support, and inclusion from day one.

2024 Accomplishments include: • Providing a Behavioral Health Performance Improvement Conference: The conference was well-attended with robust engagement. • Implemented BCHAT: This is an initiative to obtain rapid response help for patients with acute behavioral health needs.

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