Hospital Security Team Involvement in Emergency Mental Health Care of Patients

How are hospital security teams used during emergency mental health care?In this qualitative study of hospital security logs and notes from clinical care among 244 patients, hospital security teams contributed to patient and staff safety, elopements or lack of capacity to refuse care, and legal issues, such as illicit substance disposal and care of patient belongings. De-escalation attempts in situations of violence were not well documented in clinical notes.This study found that hospital security teams assisted frequently during emergency mental health care, including in aggressive or violent events and with nonaggression care needs.

Corresponding Author: Lauren T. Southerland, MD, MPH, Department of Emergency Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, 376 W 10th Ave, 725 Prior Hall, Columbus, OH 43210 (lauren.southerland@osumc.edu).

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