A study that investigates patient perceptions and the perceived benefits and harms associated with the use of behavioral flags has been published in Academic Emergency MedicineThe 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 and colleagues 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.

Provided by Society for Academic Emergency Medicine