O - EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING
Use a brief, valid measure that has good sensitivity to screen all patients for general anxiety and panic disorders:
- early during the initial inpatient hospital or rehabilitation stay
- as a repeat screen if indicated to assess persistence of symptoms or change in status
- at the first post-discharge follow-up point
- at future time points, depending on risk stratification factors such as prior positive anxiety screening results or preinjury history of psychological disorder.
Refer patients with positive screen results or those suspected of having an anxiety disorder to a mental health provider for a diagnostic assessment to assess for conditions such as generalized anxiety disorder or panic disorder. Rule out the possibility that the symptoms are better explained by the effects of the medical condition, medications, drugs, the environment, or other factors. (PVA-EWB 2020, p.160; Level C)
To minimize anxiety, support anxious patients with specific and nonspecific therapeutic strategies provided by all health care professionals (physicians, nurses, therapists, psychologists, social workers, and others) who work with them. (PVA-EWB 2020, p.160; Level C)
Treat generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, or other clinically significant anxiety by using pharmacological and/or nonpharmacological interventions on the basis of salient clinical considerations and patient preferences. (PVA-EWB 2020, p.160; Level C)
Consider pharmacological treatment for anxiety, if indicated. (PVA-EWB 2020, p.161; Level C)
Consider nonpharmacological treatment for anxiety. (PVA-EWB 2020, p.161; Level C)