Joint
Commission Alert: Suicides a risk in the ER, hospital
A new Joint Commission Sentinel
Event Alert urges greater attention to the risk of suicide for non-psychiatric
patients in emergency departments and medical/surgical inpatient units
and recommends education for caregivers about warning signs that may
indicate when these patients are contemplating harming themselves. The
Alert cautions that many patients who kill themselves in general hospital
units do not have a psychiatric history or a history of suicidal attempts.
Frequently
Asked Questions
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find the answer to the question. Click again to close the section
1.
How does SentinelStop work?
SentinelStop is
a patent-pending door system that converts the entire door assembly
into a scale weighing the door and any additional weight imposed by
a client. Staff can establish any desired trigger weight threshold
above the established minimum at the central monitoring station to
activate a visual and audible alarm if a client attempts to suspend
themselves from any part of the door.
2.
How is a the weight threshold determined?
Studies have shown
that as little as 10 pounds of force is needed for self-injury or
death by ligature. Our system has a minimum threshold of 10 pounds.
This minimum setting would be utilized specifically for adolescent
locations. The alarm may be set at any weight above the 10 pound minimum
recommended lower limit. It may be advisable to utilize a higher setting,
such as 15-20 pounds, in adult units. Parameters can be set to reduce
potential false alarms from normal client use of the door. Field tests
are currently planned to determine if any other weight thresholds
should be considered.
3.
Can the system be used on existing doors?
The system is
designed for either new construction or for retrofitting existing
frames. Existing frames with wooden doors can be reused. Some field
fitting of the existing door may be required to accommodate the new
hinges. Existing metal doors can be reused if they provide sufficient
hinge and strike clearances.
4.
Is there a load limit for this system?
The system is
designed for a maximum load of up to 600 pounds.
5.
What does the system include?
For each door,
the system will include a new standard or continuous hinge, 2 sensor
brackets, 2 load sensors, low voltage cabling, a digitizer to identify
the door and a transducer/amplifier to condition the signal. The central
monitoring system will consist of a touchpad monitor/CPU and server.
It is recommended that this unit be connected to a UPS unit. The central
station can simultaneously monitor up to 24 doors on one display screen,
provide a graphic door status on a plan of your unit, relay information
to other departments, transmit an audible alarm, and log incidents.
6.
Do you provide installation?
Due to the wide
variety of physical plant conditions, local codes, requirements for
electrical installation, and other factors, the system can be sold
as a package without installation. As part of base system cost we
provide training to the installation contractor, field set-up and
testing for each door, central station programming and staff training
by our technicians.
7.
Is any special door hardware required?
Since the system
can detect weight placed on any part of the door it is not necessary
to change existing door hardware or accessories except the hinges.
8.
What does the system cost?
Site conditions
vary from project to project. Please contact us so we may discuss
your specific needs. We can then construct an estimate for your location.
9.
What is the system warranty?
The SentinelStop system
is warranted for one year against defects or material failure.
10.
Will SentinelStop assist with development of clinical policies to support
the sensor system and train our clinical staff?
Yes. SentinelStop
has policy templates which may be adapted to your facility standard.
Masters level psychiatric nurses are available to be on-site as needed
for training and policy development.
11.
Can SentinelStop provide facility assessment
and design services?
SentinelStop can provide
facility risk and code assessments, programming, architectural and
engineering design or any other facility development services which
you may need through our affiliated Architectural firm, Young &
Associates Architects. We would be pleased to discuss our professional
qualifications and services with your organization.
