One team having a big impact across RPH

The Behaviour Support Team (BeST) may have only launched a few months ago, but it’s already having a powerful impact across Royal Perth Hospital (RPH) for staff, patients and the broader culture of care.

Part of the East Metropolitan Health Service (EMHS) CaREPLAN strategy which prioritises staff safety, wellbeing and proactive support, BeST was created as a multidisciplinary response to managing patients with behaviours of concern. The goal is to support teams before situations escalate and to empower staff with the confidence, tools and back-up they need to feel safe at work.

So far, the results speak for themselves.

Since its launch in May, BeST has rounded on an average of 24 patients per day and delivered more than 1,100 tailored interventions. 

EMHS Project Manager Hayley Makuch shared these interactions aren’t just reactive, with many patients receiving proactive, repeat support throughout their admission.

"Having BeST involved early helps us stay ahead of challenging behaviours before they escalate," Hayley said.

Beyond direct patient care, BeST is playing a vital role in education and staff empowerment. 

“Around 40 per cent of interventions are focused on coaching and upskilling – from role-modelling de-escalation techniques to guiding staff through complex legal and behaviour decision-making processes,” Hayley added.

Brenda Jones, Clinical Nurse Manager for the EMHS Addiction and Psychiatry Consultation Liaison (CL) service, acknowledged the introduction of BeST has significantly improving collaboration and clarity across teams.

“BeST has already been involved and provided such high-quality support that we’re not needed or if we are, it’s a much more focused and collaborative approach,” she said. 

“Previously, we were being called for almost all behavioural issues across the hospital, even when it should have been a Code Black. 

“Now, we’re brought in when psychiatric input is genuinely needed."

Brenda says the shift has been felt not only in clinical workflows, but in the general atmosphere on the wards.

"BeST has empowered staff across RPH – they’ve helped educate teams on things like the Doctrine of Necessity and who can authorise mental health forms,” Brenda shared.

“Medical and surgical teams feel much more supported now and we’re definitely getting fewer high-emotion calls from ward staff."

BeST also provides post-incident debriefing, an often overlooked but vital part of maintaining staff wellbeing. So far, the team has facilitated 22 structured debriefs to help teams reflect, recover and build resilience.

"Just having someone check in with you afterwards makes a difference," she added.

Encouragingly, the presence of BeST seems to be reducing the need for emergency responses. There’s a clear trend toward early, preventative action with dozens of BeST calls logged before situations escalate, and anecdotal reports suggesting that Code Black rates have declined.

"It feels safer, calmer and it’s not just about clinical expertise. The culture BeST brings is just as important,” Brenda pointed out.

"They’re approachable, collaborative, and genuinely want to help. 

“They check in with us regularly, ask what we need, and work as part of the team. No one needs to be afraid to call them, they’re fantastic."

Looking ahead

The success of BeST at Royal Perth Hospital is paving the way for expansion across the EMHS. BeST teams will soon be embedded at Bentley and Armadale Hospitals, with Expressions of Interest (EOIs) out soon!