New AEM study explores patient perceptions of behavioral flags in the emergency department

Des Plaines, IL — A new study that investigates patient perceptions and the perceived benefits and harms associated with the use of behavioral flags has been published in a recent issue of Academic Emergency Medicine (AEM), the peer-reviewed journal of the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine (SAEM).  The study, titled Patient perceptions of behavioral flags in the emergency department: A qualitative analysis observed that little is known about how patients perceive behavioral flags and the disparities that have been identified in their placement.

As hospitals combat increasing levels of violence in the emergency department (ED), various safety measures, including behavioral flags, have been implemented. These electronic health record (EHR)-based notifications alert future clinicians of past incidents of potentially threatening patient behavior. However, observed racial disparities in their placement may unintentionally introduce bias in patient care.

The lead author of this article is Rachel E. Gonzales, MPH, Center for Insights to Outcomes, University of Pennsylvania. Utilizing qualitative methods, Gonzales et al. conclude that patient perspectives on the use of behavioral flags in the ED are varied. While many patients view the flags as helpful tools to mitigate violence, they also express concerns regarding negative impacts on care, transparency, and equity.

By incorporating patient perspectives into work to refine behavioral flags, hospitals and health care systems can ensure that these notifications can be used in a way that balances maintaining safety in the ED with ensuring patient care, respect, and equity.

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ABOUT ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE

Academic Emergency Medicine, the monthly journal of Society for Academic Emergency Medicine, features the best in peer-reviewed, cutting-edge original research relevant to the practice and investigation of emergency care. The above study is published open access and can be downloaded by following https://doi.org/10.1111/acem.14887 . Journalists wishing to interview the authors may contact Laura Giblin at lgiblin@saem.org.

ABOUT THE SOCIETY FOR ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE

SAEM is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to the improvement of care of the acutely ill and injured patient by leading the advancement of academic emergency medicine through education and research, advocacy, and professional development. To learn more, visit saem.org.