Making enhancements in the realm of safety in behavioral health is non-negotiable. With the latest technological advancements, modern facilities catering to mental and behavioral health treatments can move beyond reactive safety measures to embrace systems that not only proactively address risks but provide actionable insights for continuous improvement.
Take the State of Pennsylvania for example, the only state that requires healthcare facilities to report all events that cause harm or have potential to cause harm to a patient. The results of these reports in 2022 were as follows:
- 256,679 reports were submitted by Acute Care Facilities in 2022,
- 9,741 were serious events,
- 489 were high harm to patients
– Patient Safety Journal, Shawn Kepner, MS and Rebecca Jones MBA RN
These statistics are more than just numbers; they are a sobering reminder of the risks present in healthcare environments and the urgent need for systemic change. In absence of detailed reporting and analysis, such risks often remain unaddressed, leaving both patients and staff vulnerable.
The importance of ligature monitoring and reporting
Ligature risks pose many unique challenges due to the high vulnerability of the patient population. Monitoring systems are not only a means of identifying potential risks but serve as a crucial safeguard to ensure real-time alerts and timely interventions. When paired with robust reporting systems, facilities can:
- Identify patterns: Analyze trends in incidents to proactively address high-risk areas
- Allocate resources effectively: Use data to guide decisions on staffing, training, and technology
- Supporting the culture of safety: Demonstrate transparency and accountability, fostering trust among staff, patients and families
Alongside the shift in behavioral health facilities progressing from institutional settings to therapeutic, recovery-focused environments, tools such as ligature monitoring, reporting and data analysis can play a pivotal role in improving patient outcomes.
The current landscape
Managing ligature risks in behavioral health facilities presents a unique set of challenges. Facilities must navigate the delicate balance between creating a therapeutic environment for patients and maintaining strict safety protocols to mitigate risks.
Ligature incidents are among the most concerning risks faced in theses settings, in addition to liability risks for providers. Despite ongoing efforts, many facilities struggle with outdated infrastructure and a lack of proactive safety measures.
These challenges underscore a growing recognition of the importance of addressing ligature risks comprehensively. However, the gap between guidelines and real-world implementation remains a challenge. For facilities to truly succeed, they must move beyond traditional compliance and invest in advanced technologies that provide ligature monitoring and data-driven reporting systems to stay ahead of emerging risks.
Why innovation matters
As incidents and risks evolve, so too must the solutions designed to address them. Technology-driven solutions are essential to bridge the gaps left by outdated safety measures, offering real-time monitoring, proactive interventions, and actionable insights. Without such innovations, facilities often find themselves stuck in reactive cycles, responding to incidents rather than preventing them.
Our mission as Your Partner in Patient Safety is clear: to transform safety in challenging environments through continuous innovation. At the forefront of ligature-resistant and patient-wellness design, Kingsway is leading the charge in developing products that empower facilities to go beyond just compliance and create truly therapeutic spaces while minimizing risk. By combining advanced technology, user-centered design, and a deep understanding of behavioral health needs, as Your Partner in Patient Safety Kingsway aims to challenge the status quo and set new standards for safety in behavioral health.
Innovations like our SWING DTM Ligature-Resistant Door System and the award-wining KOSMOS Smart Monitoring System exemplify this mission. These technologies are not just products, they are tools that redefine what’s possible in behavioral health, bridging the gap between safety and dignity. By equipping facilities with solutions such as these, Kingsway is empowering healthcare providers across North America to address risks proactively and deliver better outcomes, ultimately creating environments where both patients and staff can thrive.
Kingsway approach
At the heart of Kingsway Group’s mission to revolutionize behavioral health safety are innovative solutions that directly address the unique challenges of high-risk environments. The SWING DTM Ligature-Resistant Door System is a prime example of this commitment.
Designed with patient safety and staff efficiency in mind, the SWING DTM is equipped with an integrated monitoring system that detects ligature risks in real time, allowing rapid response to potential incidents. In addition to the material of the actual door itself, the ground-breaking technology not only enhances safety but allows facilities to maintain a therapeutic, patient-centered atmosphere without compromising on critical security measures.
Looking ahead, Kingsway is also preparing to launch the KOSMOS Cloud, a revolutionary platform and part of the award-winning KOSMOS Smart Monitoring System that’s set to redefine data-driven facility management. KOSMOS promises to further elevate safety, efficiency, and decision-making, bringing enhanced ligature monitoring, reporting and data analysis to behavioral health environments.
For an exclusive first look at this exciting innovation, register for our upcoming online Lunch and Learn event on Tuesday, January 28!
