Qualitative study of patient experiences and care observations during agitation events in the emergency department: implications for systems-based practice.

Objectives: Agitation, defined as excessive psychomotor activity leading to aggressive or violent behaviour, is prevalent in the emergency department (ED) due to rising behavioural-related visits. Experts recommend use of verbal de-escalation and avoidance of physical restraint to manage agitation. However, bedside applications of these recommendations may be limited by system challenges in emergency care.

Characteristics and Severity of Agitation Associated With Use of Sedatives and Restraints in the Emergency Department.

Background: Agitated patients frequently present to emergency departments, but limited evidence exists regarding clinical decisions to use chemical sedatives and physical restraints.

Objective: We examined attributes and levels of agitation impacting thresholds for sedative and restraint use in the emergency setting.

Methods: This was a secondary study focusing on agitation characteristics within a prospective observational study of agitated patients in the emergency department at an urban, tertiary referral center.