Assessing risk in behavioral healthcare facilities

The occurrence of inpatients harming themselves or others is increasing


Safety has always been a priority in behavioral health facility design, but an increase in inpatients harming themselves or others appears has brought the issue to the forefront, according to an article on the FacilityCare website.

The Center for Health Design conducted a three-year research project that culminated in a presentation of their Safety Risk Assessment Toolkit, according to an article 

The toolkit encourages hospitals and designers think together about the questions included. Each is rated based on level of concern for the specific facility.       

The “Patient Safety Risk Assessment Matrix” in the guide addresses the amount of supervision a patient will have in the space considering all of its potential uses and the maximum level of intent for self-harm of any patient who may use that space.

Read the article.

 

 



October 21, 2015


Topic Area: Safety


Recent Posts

Disinfectant Contact Time: The Case for Biofilm Disruption

Contact time, while essential for compliance, does not reliably predict microbial reduction on actual healthcare surfaces.


Texas HHSC Reaches Construction Milestone for Panhandle State Hospital in Amarillo

Construction is expected to be completed in fall 2027.


Mon General Succumbs to Phishing Cyberattack

Its investigation ultimately determined that an unauthorized party gained access to certain Mon General email mailboxes on May 6, 2026.


The HVAC Dilemma: To Repair or Replace?

Healthcare facilities that keep repairing and optimizing aging systems past their useful life spend money on a problem they cannot solve without capital investment.


Department of Veterans Affairs Signs Lease for Community-Based Outpatient Clinic in Kentucky

Construction and facility preparation are expected to be completed by the winter of 2027, and the first patient should be seen by spring 2028.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.