WEST CHESTER, PA — In an insightful blog post from Penn Medicine, the newly formed Behavioral Response Team at Chester County Hospital is spotlighted, showcasing its pivotal role in addressing psychiatric emergencies and supporting healthcare staff. This initiative underscores Penn Medicine’s dedication to enhancing mental health care and safety within the hospital setting. For those interested in the full story, it is available on Penn Medicine’s website.
Initiated as a pilot program in July 2023, the Behavioral Response Team provides real-time, in-person interventions for patients showing signs of psychiatric escalation. This effort emerged from a comprehensive assessment by the hospital’s Behavioral Health Department and leadership, which underscored the necessity for these timely resources.
Kyle Finucane, Director of Behavioral Health at the hospital, articulated the program’s objectives: “The Behavioral Response Team was initiated with the aim of decreasing incidents and enhancing the front-line staff’s ability to manage patients with behavioral needs, ultimately reducing workplace violence.”
During its nine-month pilot, the team was operational on select inpatient units from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays, achieving a 70 percent reduction in patient agitation following interventions. This success led to the expansion of the program in April 2024, offering around-the-clock support across all inpatient units.
The team consists of 20 specialized members, including social workers and mental health technicians, trained in verbal de-escalation, physical self-defense, and the use of hospital resources. Their training includes scenario simulations to prepare for various situations, such as delirium or substance use disorders.
Behavioral health supervisor Patrick Johnson highlighted the importance of early intervention in managing behavioral outbursts. “The Behavioral Response Team provides an additional layer of support, enabling our treatment teams to manage patient care more effectively,” Johnson stated.
The initiative responds to increasing mental health challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Chester County Hospital has seen a 73 percent increase in behavioral health-related crises since the closure of nearby hospitals in early 2022, demonstrating the critical need for comprehensive mental health services.
Beyond the Behavioral Response Team, Penn Medicine is investing in mental health support across its network, including the establishment of a second Crisis Response Center at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania – Cedar Avenue in 2023, and plans for a new crisis walk-in center at Lancaster General Hospital by 2025.
The Behavioral Response Team has fostered a more collaborative and supportive environment at Chester County Hospital, boosting staff confidence and preparedness. As consult-liaison psychiatry lead Kimberly Joffe noted, the team has greatly enhanced staff awareness and capability in de-escalating conflicts, benefiting both staff and patients.
Nicole Eastburn, a registered nurse, praised the initiative, stating, “The Behavioral Response Team is immensely supportive, aiding our nurses and patients through difficult scenarios.” This program represents a vital advancement in addressing the rising mental health care needs within the community while ensuring a safer, more supportive hospital environment.
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