Dole News | [11]
Putting your best foot forward Disruptive behavior is any action by an individual that jeopardizes the health or safety of patients, staff, providers, and other hospital guests. Nicholas Milligan , behavioral health social work therapy supervisor, said disruptive behaviors do not depend upon the disruptive individual’s stated intent or justification for the individual’s behavior. “Even if a Veteran has an impairment, Disruptive behavior can include: • Violence towards others • Verbal abuse or bullying • Direct, indirect, or implied threats • Sexual assault or harassment • Possession of weapons While Dole VA may restrict the time, place, and manner of providing medical care to Veterans who pose a risk of disruptive or violent behavior, patients cannot be banned from medical or mental health care. In most cases of potentially disruptive behavior, the first line of defense is always excellent customer service. Milligan said staff are trained to engage in verbal de-escalation and limit-setting skills.
• Destruction of — or threats to destroy — government property • Abuse of a person in the facility • Unwanted approaches toward or contact with others • Persistent or intense outbursts The DBC is a multidisciplinary facility- level committee operating under the auspices of the chief of staff.
has diminished decision-making capacity, or offers an apology, it's our duty to keep all areas safe,” said Milligan, who chairs the Disruptive Behavior Committee (DBC). “If a Veteran’s behavior affects Dole VA's ability to provide care, it could be disruptive behavior, and we have protocols for situations like that.”
“Although reporting an incident to the Disruptive Behavior Committee is required, we always try to manage disruptive behavior with compassion and respect,” he said. “We are seeing Veterans at what could be a very challenging time, so it helps to be empathetic above all.”
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