Evaluating the Effectiveness of a Behavioral Emergency Response Team in an Emergency Department

Problem Statement: The increasing incidence of occupational workplace violence (OWPV) in hospitals, especially in emergency departments (EDs), has become a significant concern in the United States. Given the increasing risk of the occurrence of workplace violence (OWPV) from patients and family members, hospitals have instituted the Behavioral Emergency Response Team (BERT) protocol, comprising trained staff members with expertise in acute psychiatric disorders and de-escalation techniques for managing assaultive behaviors. Purpose: Evaluate a Behavioral Emergency Response Team (BERT) protocol implemented in an emergency department and make recommendations for improvement. Methods: Using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Logic Model, this project focuses on reassessing the BERT protocol's application and usefulness in a local hospital in South Carolina. A paired sample t-test will be used to evaluate the initial implementation of the BERT protocol and the current effectiveness and overall impact of lowering OWPT and improved medical treatment in the ED. Results: The BERT protocol has effectively minimized OWPV in a local ED, but staff identified the need for a more immediate communication method to address unpredictable agitation. Discovering a hospital-issued wearable alert button has enhanced staff safety and efficiency, demonstrating the hospital's commitment to workplace safety and quality patient care. Implications for Practice: ED staff members should continue utilizing wearable alert buttons. Further evaluation is necessary to assess their role in BERT activations, response times, and alert accuracy.