Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders

19-12-2024 | Brief Report

Decreasing Agitation in Neurodiverse Patients with Mental Health Concerns

Auteurs: Diana Hou Yan, Avery Jeon, Yunfai Ng, Alexa Rivera, Lauren Donnelly, Lorien Baker, Manuela P. Zisu, Czer Anthoney Lim

Gepubliceerd in: Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders

Abstract

Purpose

Children and adolescents are experiencing a mental health crisis. Neurodiverse patients have high rates of mental health conditions and worse outcomes. To address this disparity, the Autism Spectrum Disorder Care Pathway was applied to a pediatric emergency department (PED) and Observation Unit (OU) in order to decrease agitation experienced by these patients.

Methods

This prospective cohort study was in a community-based PED and OU from June 2023 to February 2024. A medical education curriculum consisting of a multidisciplinary champion training and toolkit rollout was completed. Agitation was measured by the Behavioral Activity Rating Scale. The primary aim was to decrease frequency of agitation experienced by neurodiverse patients at any point in the PED/OU. The secondary outcome was to decrease pharmacologic intervention and physical restraint use.

Results

We captured data from a total of 45 patients, with 19 baseline patients and 26 patients in the intervention group. At baseline, 9 out of 19 (47%) patients experienced agitation at some point in their PED/OU stay. After implementation of the curriculum, agitation levels decreased to 6 out of 26 (23%) patients (p = 0.04). Inter-rater reliability was 0.95. There were 3 incidences of pharmacologic intervention and no physical restraint use.

Conclusions

This pilot medical education curriculum for PED and OU staff members decreased agitation in neurodiverse patients who presented for mental health complaints. This study is the foundation for expansion of the curriculum for use in general emergency departments.

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Titel: Decreasing Agitation in Neurodiverse Patients with Mental Health Concerns
Auteurs: Diana Hou Yan
Avery Jeon
Yunfai Ng
Alexa Rivera
Lauren Donnelly
Lorien Baker
Manuela P. Zisu
Czer Anthoney Lim
Publicatiedatum: 19-12-2024
Uitgeverij: Springer US
Gepubliceerd in: Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
Print ISSN: 0162-3257
Elektronisch ISSN: 1573-3432
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-024-06690-y

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Decreasing Agitation in Neurodiverse Patients with Mental Health Concerns

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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Abstract

Purpose

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Conclusions

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