Shared Standards in Emergency Departments for People with Mental Health Needs
These Standards provide guidance for health systems that is evidence-based, adaptable to a local context and aligned with CMS and accrediting agencies’ requirements related to National Patient Safety goals.
They have been developed based on evidence for best practices where they exist, expert working group consensus where the evidence is insufficient, and with practical implementation guidance provided. The Standards include:
- Suicide Prevention and Intervention
- Prevention and Management of Agitation
- Medical Clearance Evaluation
Download the new Standards here.
Zero Suicide Initiative
Beginning in October 2024ICSI and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) are partnering to bring training resources, implementation support, practical tips and networking with other suicide prevention and intervention champions across the state. In this monthly learning collaborative, teams are developing goals and objectives, and create action plans to better help people in crisis.
Pre-pandemic, many of our ICSI Member organizations identified suicide prevention and intervention as a priority. Now its importance has only deepened. The CDC reports that suicidal ideation is increasing considerably.
Based on the seven essential elements of the nationally acclaimed Zero Suicide Model, this learning collaborative will help design and nurture a less fragmented system to support patients at risk for suicide. Learn more about ICSI’s Zero Suicide Initiative here.
Integrated Behavioral Health
Integrated behavioral health (IBH) in primary care is shown to improve access and health outcomes for those with mental health conditions and can help maximize valuable, yet scarce, mental health resources. To further advance IBH, MN Health Collaborative partners created a Call to Action and adopted a community standard for care, including a common framework that includes both key evidence-based elements needed for improved outcomes and how they can be adapted to meet local needs. In addition, the MN Health Collaborative partners from both care delivery and health plans are working together to build a reinforcing cycle for improved sustainability for this model of care.