Hospitals in pursuit of excellence

"Code Grey" Crisis Prevention Team Calms Agitated Patients in Psychiatric Units

Coney Island Hospital developed a crisis prevention, early intervention, and response team known as "Code Grey" to calm agitated patients in its psychiatric inpatient unit through the safest and least restrictive means possible. Key components include an activation system initiated by a team leader, use of a standardized communication system to quickly inform arriving team members of the situation, an emphasis on resolving incidents through nonphysical means, post-incident debriefings and monthly meetings and data sharing.

This series is part of the Healthcare Association of New York State’s Pinnacle Award for Quality and Patient Safety. HANYS’ members are committed to continuously improving quality, safety, and efficacy of care, and have made tremendous advances in redesigning the way care is delivered in their communities. The results have been dramatic and are “hard-wired” throughout the organization to sustain culture change.

HPOE is pleased to present the HANYS award as examples of work to achieve the Triple Aim—quality care, reduced costs and better health. For more information on how to share your stories, please email HPOE today.