Various health conditions can make it difficult for a patient to get by. For instance, people with mental health and behavioral disorders often require additional assistance to help them get around. Therefore, consider liaising or partnering with ACC Medlink if you need a reliable and professional handicapped transportation service to ease the physical struggle and discomfort of using other means.
The firm’s team understands the value of providing safe transportation for special needs individuals who require attention and care. They’re also aware of the intricacies of transporting patients with mental health & behavioral disorders.
Such patients are prone to unpredictable behaviors, requiring careful monitoring and supervision. To this end, here’s a guide to ensure the transport team gets it right (by taking extra precautions) without compromising their safety or the patients:
1. Ensure the Staff are Properly Trained
Dealing with patients with behavioral disorders is challenging enough in a hospital setting. In a confined space, like a vehicle, it can be dangerous if the staff fails to adhere to the necessary protocols.
Thus, it pays to have staff understand every aspect of dealing with such patients. It ensures they know the risks and can communicate with them (more on this below). The team should be ready to deal with emergencies, such as sudden outbursts or unexpected behavior changes. Thus, a mental health professional aboard the vehicle would be beneficial.
2. Use a Specialized Vehicle
The transport vehicle should be well-equipped to accommodate the patient’s needs. A separate partition between the driver and passenger area may be necessary, as disturbances can cause distress or anxiety.
The vehicle should also have features to ensure adequate safety and comfort during transit, including adjustable seats, safety harnesses, armrests, or wheelchair securement options.
Privacy curtains may also come in handy when transporting patients with behavioral disorders. These minimize distractions from activities outside, allowing the patient a calmer journey. The idea is to consider a patient’s needs and provide a secure transportation environment.
3. Develop an Effective Communication System
As aforenoted, patients with behavioral or mental disorders can be susceptible. As such, it’s critical to communicate with them appropriately. For starters, an aggressive tone can further aggravate the situation. Therefore, learning a few basic communication techniques can go a long way to ensure a successful journey for everyone involved.
Endeavor to communicate calmly with them. Let them know what to expect during the journey and provide distractions if necessary. If the patient feels calm and at ease, the journey is more likely to be successful. And should they need something, notify the driver or a mental health professional.
Also, establish trust by showing empathy and kindness. Thus, be respectful and courteous to the patient and build a rapport with them from the onset. If they can count on you, they will likely stay calm and relaxed during the journey.
4. Identify and Monitor Potential Triggers
A patient struggling with a mental disorder may be sensitive to various triggers, which can lead to a behavioral outburst. For instance, some are sensitive to loud noises, bright lights, strong odors, touching, or crowds. As such, take precautions to avoid these triggers (assuming you’ve identified them beforehand).
Similarly, their mood can change without notice, even if the patient has been relatively calm for some time. Thus, keep a close eye and respond quickly should any situation arise. If you notice the patient getting agitated, try to divert their attention or provide something else to focus. And if a behavioral episode occurs, attempt to calm them down.
It also implies the patient should have a companion throughout the journey. Take your time transporting them alone, as this can be dangerous. The travel companion’s role is to keep the patient calm, meaning they can help if their mood shifts or gets out of control.
5. Schedule Regular Breaks
Fatigue and stress can increase the risk of a behavioral episode. Therefore, make regular stops along the journey for relaxation – especially if they’re on a long-distance trip.
Doing so can help keep the patient’s spirits up and reduce the chances of an unexpected episode. By being in tune with their needs and understanding when they need a break, you can help make the journey easier for the patient and staff.
6. Keep Everyone in the Loop
Let’s face it; transporting patients with mental health or behavioral disorders can be challenging. Hence, it’s advisable to ensure everyone knows what to expect, including the patient’s needs. We’re referring to the driver, mental health professional who travels with them, staff involved in organizing the journey, their caregivers, facility staff – you name it.
Don’t leave anything to chance. It ensures everyone is on the same page regarding the patient’s care.
While transporting patients with mental health or behavioral disorders is no mean feat, it requires proper planning. The tips above can ensure a safer and more comfortable journey for the patient. As your team plans for the trip, consider implementing these practices for the best outcomes.
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