Re: pencils safe for psychiatric patients

February 19, 2009

,

Just a suggestion.....consider using any felt tip markers instead of pencils. They are less likely to pierce skin or contribute to serious self injury. They also won't require a sharpener.

It is difficult to predict behaviors of in-patient populations.

Good luck.

Judith Levy, LCAT, LMFT, LP, ATR-BC

420 E. 72nd St. NYC, N.Y.

-------------- Original message from Kelley Linhardt : --------------

Hello NYCCAT:

A quick question: I'm starting a journaling program on an acute inpatient unit and was wondering if anyone knew of any resources where I could order pencils or other writing utensils that would be realitively safe for patients to use independently (if they are not judged a suicide or assault risk), I'd appreciate it.

Thanks,

Kelley Linhardt, LCAT ATR-BC

February 19, 2009

What is your concern about pencil safety? I use pencils with children all the time.Hello NYCCAT:A quick question: I'm starting a journaling program on an acute inpatient unit and was wondering if anyone knew of any resources where I could order pencils or other writing utensils that would be realitively safe for patients to use independently (if they are not judged a suicide or assault risk), I'd appreciate it. Thanks,Kelley Linhardt, LCAT ATR-BC

February 19, 2009

I currently provide services for individuals diagnosed with a severe and persistent mental illness and I have never had any problems with providing them with pencils. If you have a concern, which you really shouldn't, incorporate and educational segment into your group demonstrating the proper use of pencils.

Hello NYCCAT:

A quick question: I'm starting a journaling program on an acute inpatient unit and was wondering if anyone knew of any resources where I could order pencils or other writing utensils that would be realitively safe for patients to use independently (if they are not judged a suicide or assault risk), I'd appreciate it.

Thanks,

Kelley Linhardt, LCAT ATR-BC

February 19, 2009

I treated a boy who did in fact stab other children and adults with pencils and did kill his cat with one.

Your instincts are right to be concerned regarding inpatient treatment, pencils and safety.

Michele Amendolari MA, ATR-BC, LCAT

Hello NYCCAT:

A quick question: I'm starting a journaling program on an acute inpatient unit and was wondering if anyone knew of any resources where I could order pencils or other writing utensils that would be realitively safe for patients to use independently (if they are not judged a suicide or assault risk), I'd appreciate it.

Thanks,

Kelley Linhardt, LCAT ATR-BC

February 19, 2009

Although I don't know where to find them, special small flexible pens are available. They have been used inside the max prisons. I have seen them in prisons I have worked in. They are supposed to be safer because they bend under the slight pressure. I have used them and the flexible and the small size can be annoying and takes a bit of getting used to. If you feel concerned about supplying regular pens or pencils, these may be an option.

Here is a tongue-in-cheek article that actually has a link to where one can purchase these pens. http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-9692352-1.html However, at $10 each, I doubt any Dept of Correction is paying that much. Maybe try calling prisons to request more information about this. Good Luck.

To: NYCCAT From: artkozak1@...Date: Thu, 19 Feb 2009 07:30:45 -0800Subject: Re: pencils safe for psychiatric patients

I currently provide services for individuals diagnosed with a severe and persistent mental illness and I have never had any problems with providing them with pencils. If you have a concern, which you really shouldn't, incorporate and educational segment into your group demonstrating the proper use of pencils.

Hello NYCCAT:

A quick question: I'm starting a journaling program on an acute inpatient unit and was wondering if anyone knew of any resources where I could order pencils or other writing utensils that would be realitively safe for patients to use independently (if they are not judged a suicide or assault risk), I'd appreciate it.

Thanks,

Kelley Linhardt, LCAT ATR-BC

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February 19, 2009

Hi may I suggest offering oil pastels as an alternative for your patients to use

independently. That way you'll sleep better!

Mia Barkan e

Sent via BlackBerry by AT & T

Re: pencils safe for psychiatric patients

,

Just a suggestion.....consider using any felt tip markers instead of pencils.

They are less likely to pierce skin or contribute to serious self injury. They

also won't require a sharpener.

It is difficult to predict behaviors of in-patient populations.

Good luck.

Judith Levy, LCAT, LMFT, LP, ATR-BC

420 E. 72nd St. NYC, N.Y.

-------------- Original message from Kelley Linhardt :

--------------

Hello NYCCAT:

A quick question: I'm starting a journaling program on an acute inpatient unit

and was wondering if anyone knew of any resources where I could order pencils or

other writing utensils that would be realitively safe for patients to use

independently (if they are not judged a suicide or assault risk), I'd appreciate

it.

Thanks,

Kelley Linhardt, LCAT ATR-BC

February 19, 2009

I am aware of an woman who stabbed herself with a pencil and another

woman who rubbed her skin raw with the eraser; scars remained. Both were

inpatient at the time. If you are working with folks who self-harm, some

will find most any way to self-injure.

Gretch Sando, ATR-BC, LCAT

On Thu, 19 Feb 2009 07:40:11 -0800 (PST)

Michele Amendolari wrote:

> I treated a boy who did in fact stab other children and adults with

> pencils and did kill his cat with one.

>

> Your instincts are right to be concerned regarding inpatient

> treatment, pencils and safety.

>

> Michele Amendolari MA, ATR-BC, LCAT

>

> Hello NYCCAT:

> A quick question: I'm starting a journaling program on an acute

> inpatient unit and was wondering if anyone knew of any resources

> where I could order pencils or other writing utensils that would be

> realitively safe for patients to use independently (if they are not

> judged a suicide or assault risk), I'd appreciate it.

> Thanks,

> Kelley Linhardt, LCAT ATR-BC

>

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February 19, 2009

I think Mia & Judith have some good suggestions, as this is a valid safety concern on an inpatient unit..

Soft Pastel pencils, may also be an additonal option to consider.......

Re: pencils safe for psychiatric patients

I currently provide services for individuals diagnosed with a severe and persistent mental illness and I have never had any problems with providing them with pencils. If you have a concern, which you really shouldn't, incorporate and educational segment into your group demonstrating the proper use of pencils.

Hello NYCCAT:

A quick question: I'm starting a journaling program on an acute inpatient unit and was wondering if anyone knew of any resources where I could order pencils or other writing utensils that would be realitively safe for patients to use independently (if they are not judged a suicide or assault risk), I'd appreciate it.

Thanks,

Kelley Linhardt, LCAT ATR-BC

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February 19, 2009

Kelley,I worked with inpatient children and adolescents and this was always a concern. Before and after group sessions, I always counted my pencils to make sure no patient took one. They were only allowed to use them during structured group with supervision. A fellow staff member was stabbed with a pen, and adolescents had stolen pencils in the past to cut themselves with the metal that held the eraser. You can NEVER be too cautious on an in-patient unit. Always yield on the side of safety. SchwarzTo: NYCCAT From: drw4me@...Date: Thu, 19 Feb 2009 14:38:43 +0000Subject: Re: pencils safe for psychiatric patients

,

Just a suggestion.....consider using any felt tip markers instead of pencils. They are less likely to pierce skin or contribute to serious self injury. They also won't require a sharpener.

It is difficult to predict behaviors of in-patient populations.

Good luck.

Judith Levy, LCAT, LMFT, LP, ATR-BC

420 E. 72nd St. NYC, N.Y.

-------------- Original message from Kelley Linhardt : --------------

Hello NYCCAT:

A quick question: I'm starting a journaling program on an acute inpatient unit and was wondering if anyone knew of any resources where I could order pencils or other writing utensils that would be realitively safe for patients to use independently (if they are not judged a suicide or assault risk), I'd appreciate it.

Thanks,

Kelley Linhardt, LCAT ATR-BC

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February 19, 2009

We use the small miniature golf pencils on our psych units because a previous patient stabbed a dr. in the ear w/ a regular pencil. I will give the pts., crayola markers (fat ones) as they are not sharp and wash off the walls w/ soap and water; pencils and crayons do not.

Subject: pencils safe for psychiatric patientsTo: NYCCAT Date: Thursday, February 19, 2009, 8:56 AM

Hello NYCCAT:

A quick question: I'm starting a journaling program on an acute inpatient unit and was wondering if anyone knew of any resources where I could order pencils or other writing utensils that would be realitively safe for patients to use independently (if they are not judged a suicide or assault risk), I'd appreciate it.

Thanks,

Kelley Linhardt, LCAT ATR-BC

February 19, 2009

I understand the concern, but I do end up using regular pencils. Another option is golf pencils, kind of too short for really effective stabbing and without the metal at the end that could be removed and potentially used for cutting.

Subject: pencils safe for psychiatric patientsTo: NYCCAT Date: Thursday, February 19, 2009, 8:56 AM

Hello NYCCAT:

A quick question: I'm starting a journaling program on an acute inpatient unit and was wondering if anyone knew of any resources where I could order pencils or other writing utensils that would be realitively safe for patients to use independently (if they are not judged a suicide or assault risk), I'd appreciate it.

Thanks,

Kelley Linhardt, LCAT ATR-BC

February 19, 2009

Hey Kelley,

You might try woodless pencils if you are looking for something erasable.

You can get them at the art supply store near the drawing pencils. They might be

a little thick for writing, but there is no metal or wood. It might not be

ideal, but they can be sharpened enough just by rubbing the side of the pencil

on the paper. If you broke them in half they would be pretty safe.

Best,

pencils safe for psychiatric patients

> To: NYCCAT

> Date: Thursday, February 19, 2009, 8:56 AM

>

> Hello NYCCAT:

> A quick question: I'm starting a journaling program on an acute

> inpatient unit and was wondering if anyone knew of any resources where

> I could order pencils or other writing utensils that would be

> realitively safe for patients to use independently (if they are not

> judged a suicide or assault risk), I'd appreciate it.

> Thanks,

> Kelley Linhardt, LCAT ATR-BC

>

February 19, 2009

Just a quick side note regarding giving patients markers vs. pencils. We once

discovered that a pt was given markers to use in his room unsupervised and later

discovered that the pt put a marker in his anus.

I do not allow pts to have anything unsupervised with the exception of golf

pencils. However, having said this, I have never had such an experience like

this before or after this particular incident.

Atwood, MA, LCAT, MT-BC, CGP

Psychotherapist

Licensed Creative Arts Therapist

Board Certified Music Therapist

Certified Group Psychotherapist

www.MindBodyMusic.net

pencils safe for psychiatric patients

> > To: NYCCAT

> > Date: Thursday, February 19, 2009, 8:56 AM

> >

> > Hello NYCCAT:

> > A quick question: I'm starting a journaling program on an acute

> > inpatient unit and was wondering if anyone knew of any resources

> where

> > I could order pencils or other writing utensils that would be

> > realitively safe for patients to use independently (if they are not

>

> > judged a suicide or assault risk), I'd appreciate it.

> > Thanks,

> > Kelley Linhardt, LCAT ATR-BC

> >

February 20, 2009

Hello All,

THanks for everyone's ideas about the pencils. I am enjoying this conversation

about materials.

What's so special about golf pencils? I believe you could put one in one's anus

or stab someone with them.

I am a dance/movement therapist in private practice, and often work with drawing

materials, so I am

interested in following this discussion. For drawing I tend to use markers, oil

pastels, charcoal,

or crayons, regular or super fat for kids. I suppose in a hospital setting,

almost anything is possible

to use for some abusive purpose to self or others.

I've been wondering for some time how to safely use fingerpaints, even in a

private practice setting,

without ending up with a huge mess - thrown paint comes to my mind.

( My space has a carpeted floor.) Maybe it has to be used in a space where a

water based clean-up of EVERYTHING is easy.

THanks again to all for their input and ideas.

Best,

Vitalah Simon, ADTR, LCAT

Re: pencils safe for psychiatric patients

>

>Just a quick side note regarding giving patients markers vs. pencils. We once

discovered that a pt was given markers to use in his room unsupervised and later

discovered that the pt put a marker in his anus.

>

>I do not allow pts to have anything unsupervised with the exception of golf

pencils. However, having said this, I have never had such an experience like

this before or after this particular incident.

>

> Atwood, MA, LCAT, MT-BC, CGP

>

>Psychotherapist

>Licensed Creative Arts Therapist

>Board Certified Music Therapist

>Certified Group Psychotherapist

>

>www.MindBodyMusic.net

>

> pencils safe for psychiatric patients

>> > To: NYCCAT

>> > Date: Thursday, February 19, 2009, 8:56 AM

>> >

>> > Hello NYCCAT:

>> > A quick question: I'm starting a journaling program on an acute

>> > inpatient unit and was wondering if anyone knew of any resources

>> where

>> > I could order pencils or other writing utensils that would be

>> > realitively safe for patients to use independently (if they are not

>>

>> > judged a suicide or assault risk), I'd appreciate it.Â

>> > Thanks,

>> > Kelley Linhardt, LCAT ATR-BC

>> >

February 20, 2009

One thing to consider regardless of the art tools used is that if

there is a real concern with a patient using them then you should get

the psychiatrist to write an order allowing the use of such tools.

That way the doctor, and hopefully the treatment team, would be aware

of what you're doing. Plus it would probably get you off the hook if

something were to happen.

Walters LCAT-ATR

>

> Hello NYCCAT:

> A quick question: I'm starting a journaling program on an acute

inpatient

> unit and was wondering if anyone knew of any resources where I could

order

> pencils or other writing utensils that would be realitively safe for

> patients to use independently (if they are not judged a suicide or

assault

> risk), I'd appreciate it.

> Thanks,

> Kelley Linhardt, LCAT ATR-BC

>

February 20, 2009

Markers... patients in psych setting will swallow them. It does a real

number on them too.

I really love those peeling crayon pencils. I think in the catalogue

they are listed as crayons, you could also get grease pencils. Stay

away from the charcoal, the noise would drive you nuts. For journaling

the golf pencil might be the least frustrating for them.

>

> Hello NYCCAT:

> A quick question: I'm starting a journaling program on an acute

inpatient

> unit and was wondering if anyone knew of any resources where I could

order

> pencils or other writing utensils that would be realitively safe for

> patients to use independently (if they are not judged a suicide or

assault

> risk), I'd appreciate it.

> Thanks,

> Kelley Linhardt, LCAT ATR-BC

>

February 20, 2009

it's only that golf pencils are short, and this makes it harder to grip them as one would have to in order to use them as a stabbing weapon

it's true, if there is a will, there is a way...one can make weapons of many things

>> > >> > From: Kelley Linhardt <kelleylinhardt@ gmail.com>>> > Subject: pencils safe for psychiatric patients>> > To: NYCCATyahoogroups (DOT) com>> > Date: Thursday, February 19, 2009, 8:56 AM>> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > Hello NYCCAT:>> > A quick question: I'm starting a journaling program on an acute >> > inpatient unit and was wondering if anyone knew of any resources >> where >> >

I could order pencils or other writing utensils that would be >> > realitively safe for patients to use independently (if they are not >> >> > judged a suicide or assault risk), I'd appreciate it. >> > Thanks,>> > Kelley Linhardt, LCAT ATR-BC>> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> >

February 21, 2009

Hello Kelley and NYCCAT members,

I noticed that so many people responded to Kelley's questions, which I found

very

important. I have been working for adult psychiatric inpatients for a while.

Thus Kelley's

question is not foreign to me. My experience resonate with some of your

responses as

well.

There are few things that I consider when I pick art materials for acute,

psychotic patients

with unpredictable behavior. Of course we can not work with them unless their

doctor

believes that person is ready for therapeutic activities and treatment. It may

depend on

where you work.

1. How many people in your group or individual?

2. Functioning level of the person in your group, individual session?

3. Is there any system for calling for assistance? Do you work with another

staff member

or assistant?

4. Combination of group members. (What kind of unpredictable behavior may

happen?)

5. Facility policy on safety. (Only use of nontoxic materials ...)

6. What material you find comfortable to use?

7. My ultimate suggestion is just use paper, which people might swallow, or get

paper cut

but less hazardous comparing traditional art materials.

etc.

I found it useful to use Origami as a tool for my patients which may not suit

you and your

population. It seems, touching colorful paper has soothing effect also. If only

you know

how to fold origami and you are comfortable presenting...

Hope it helps,

toshiko

>

> Hello NYCCAT:

> A quick question: I'm starting a journaling program on an acute inpatient

> unit and was wondering if anyone knew of any resources where I could order

> pencils or other writing utensils that would be realitively safe for

> patients to use independently (if they are not judged a suicide or assault

> risk), I'd appreciate it.

> Thanks,

> Kelley Linhardt, LCAT ATR-BC

>

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