Behavioral Health TV Cabinets are essential for Safer Facilities
Television services can greatly impact a behavioral health facility in positive ways, this is why behavioral health TV cabinets are essential for patient safety, as recommended by The Joint Commission. By taking a television in a patient’s room, the TV can serve to decrease boredom, promote routine, act as a calming distraction, and increase patients’ feelings of comfort in difficult times. However, in spaces such as these, safety must be the top consideration when selecting TV mounts.
This guide details TV casings specifically designed for use in behavioral health settings. It provides definitions and explanations of these products, as well as information on why they are required and some considerations for product selection. Whether a patient room is being renovated in a new behavioral health facility or existing patient rooms in all healthcare settings are being upgraded for behavioral health patients, this guide can aid in finding the best solution for your specific needs. Additionally, facilities with behavioral health patients may be interested in products that reduce ligature risks throughout their property.
What Are Behavioral Health TV Casings?
Behavioral health TV cabinets are protective enclosures that shield televisions in psychiatric hospitals, mental health units, crisis stabilization (detoxification) units and other high-risk healthcare settings. Unlike TV mounts and covers developed for use in typical market settings, these specialized enclosures are designed to decrease risk, deter tampering and better safeguard patients and equipment.
TV brackets and cables are often easily visible in offices, and fragile TVs and exposed sharp edges can be a hazard to staff. The ‘Casing Solution’ resolves these obvious problems with a well designed enclosure that removes weak points and provides a solution that supports the health and safety functions of the user.
TV Safety in Behavioral Health Facilities poses unique challenges, and knowing the facts can help facilitate the right approach.
Unlike other industries, products in behavioral health settings cannot simply mount a screen. Instead, products must consider how they contribute to the safety of the patients, the comfort of the staff and the overall longevity of the equipment.
A poorly protected television can soon turn into a maintenance issue, but more importantly turn into a potentially preventable safety risk. Many facilities avoid using standard commercial TV solutions and opt for purpose-built anti ligature tv enclosures to mitigate this risk.
Our aim was to reduce opportunities for self-harm and tampering, whilst creating a secure method of allowing patients to view television whilst resident in health care settings, reducing the exposure of risk to staff and organisation.
Key Features to Look for in a Behavioral Health TV Cabinet
Not all protective TV enclosures were created equal. But when TVs are mounted in behavioral health environments, not all enclosures are equal.
Sloped Design
To further prevent the attachment of decals and other markers, the camera housing has been designed with a sloped top and other features to inhibit such additions. This is one of the reasons that Behavioral Health facilities are reluctant to use flat-topped, box-style housings that were not designed to preclude such modifications.
Attachment Points – Decals and other marks have been removed to prevent tampering indications. The camera housing has been designed with a sloped top and other features to further inhibit such additions. This design feature is one of the reasons that Behavioral Health facilities are reluctant to use flat-topped, box-style housings that were not designed to preclude such modifications.
Heavy-Duty Steel Construction
Strength is a major criterion for TV cabinets for behavioral health. These protective TV casings for behavioral health settings should be made from heavy-duty steel that can with stand collisions, attempted tampering and other wear and tear. Lightweight shells may initially appear satisfactory, however they are not durable enough for challenging settings.
Shatter-Resistant Window
The protective viewing window is designed to shield the screen without obstructing the view. This protection is typically made of polycarbonate because it is strong and impact resistant, offering a better safeguard than standard glass for high impact environments.
Secure Locking System
A good quality protective TV cabinet should aim to prevent unauthorised access to the TV while allowing authorised access by staff for maintenance and servicing as required. A good quality locking system should also prevent unauthorised removal of the TV and help to reduce down time.
Cable and Bracket Protection
Make sure to conceal any loose wires or exposed mounting points within the casing of your finished installation.
By state or region, we list which Behavioral Health TV enclosures are most typically required.
This complete guide to behavioral health TV cabinets would not be complete without a look at the various locations where these products are installed. They can be used in:
- psychiatric hospitals
- inpatient behavioral health units
- emergency department behavioral health holding areas
- adolescent mental health facilities
- forensic mental health settings
- correctional and detention healthcare units
- veterans’ behavioral health environments
For every protective TV system there is more at play than just beautiful looking casing holding a television.
Recessed vs Surface-Mounted Options
When selecting lighting fixtures for facilities, a choice must be made between recessed and surface-mounted fixtures; this decision is influenced by the space under construction and the type of construction.
Recessed Casings
We also offer recessed panels which have a greater depth and offer a more in sight fit. This form of panel is popular for its minimal projection and built-in appearance.
Surface-Mounted Cabinets
Our surface-mounted models are frequently preferred for easy installation in retrofit situations or where wall depth is a concern. With a well-designed surface-mounted model, you can still achieve robust safety and beauty in your behavioral health settings.
There are many different decisions that need to be made when selecting which door style to install. There are generally 5 main factors to determine which style would be best. These include the building or dwelling type, budget, time to complete installation, and lastly the degree to which safety is a concern.
What Buyers Should Ask Before Choosing a Supplier
Before buying, facilities should ask a few practical questions:
Was It Designed for Behavioral Health?
Products developed for schools, public spaces, or general security purposes are not the same as those created for use in mental health environments.
Is It Built for Long-Term Use?
Today’s packaging needs to meet the demands placed on it when it is first unpackaged and displayed to customers. But it must also withstand the rigors of cleaning and the occasional bump or drop over its life cycle.
Is It Easy for Staff to Maintain?
The ease of access for maintenance is important so that our staff do not create too much hassle for the user but can still quickly maintain the TV.
Does It Support the TV Sizes You Need?
Not every unit is suited for every screen size. Please check compatibility before ordering, especially if you plan to use the product in multiple locations.
Final Thoughts
Protective TV housings for Behavioral Health Settings, provide a comfortable yet safe TV cabinet for patients in settings such as hospitals, group homes, and clinical settings. Secure equipment while deterring tampering. Help staff focus on patient care, not unnecessary, avoidable risks.
Looking at options for behavioral health TV casings? This comprehensive guide will point you in the best direction. Understanding what makes the best product for TV enclosures in environments with at-risk populations is paramount. The top-rated options for facilities with high-risk populations are purpose-built to be as protective as possible for patients and staff, while being durable enough to withstand the demands of a clinical setting. Explore our range of anti-ligature TV enclosures.