A report released June 21 shows that Larned State Hospital has dramatically decreased the use of seclusion in mental health treatment for its patients since 2007.

Seclusion involves placing an agitated patient in a quiet room free of stimulation to help deescalate a situation in which the patient may be dangerous to themselves or others.

“We have some really good news to report that reflects well on our staff as well as our clinical practices,” said Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services Deputy Secretary Gary Haulmark. “Our care personnel have worked persistently to find kinder, less stressful ways to deal with agitated patients, and these new numbers show that work has paid off.”

The new hospital data shows that the last time seclusion was used for patient intervention at Larned was in April, when a patient was secluded for one hour. The practice was not utilized at all in the month of May. That figure stands in stark contrast to the average 45 hours per month patients were secluded in 2007. The monthly average for hours in seclusion in 2011 was under 11 hours per month.

Recognition for the achievement goes to the staff working with patients in a caring manner to calm them in ways that avoid the use of the intervention.

“I continue to be impressed daily by the compassionate manner of our staff in meeting the needs of our patients. Without their hard work, this type of accomplishment would not be possible,” said Thomas Kinlen, interim superintendent at Larned State Hospital.