NONPHARMACOLOGICAL MANAGEMENT OF AGITATION IN CHILD AND ADOLESCENT INPATIENT SETTING

Abstract

Management of agitation is one of the most important aspects of inpatient treatment. Agitation is expected to occur, and poorly managed agitation can disrupt milieu tremendously and result in staff/patient injury, loss of trust in the treatment team, and delay in recovery. Over the years, many approaches have been tried and recommended. Clinicians do what they intuitively feel is right, although they often lack confidence or are confused as to what is the best approach. In this Clinical Perspectives, we aim to present the essence of these approaches and share the data behind it.