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Occupational violence and assault in mental health nursing: A scoping project for a Victorian Mental Health Service
Author(s) -
McKin Brett,
Cross Wendy
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
international journal of mental health nursing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.911
H-Index - 54
eISSN - 1447-0349
pISSN - 1445-8330
DOI - 10.1111/j.1447-0349.2007.00499.x
Subject(s) - mental health , nursing , occupational safety and health , medicine , workplace violence , suicide prevention , human factors and ergonomics , poison control , psychology , psychiatry , medical emergency , pathology
The present study aimed to examine the prevalence of occupational assault against nurses at a Victorian Mental Health Service, including inpatient units and community teams. The results of this study will assist in developing strategies to minimize the occurrence of occupational assault and, more importantly, its impact for nursing staff. A survey methodology was used. All nurses from two adult acute psychiatric inpatient units as well as those from the community‐based teams were invited to participate in a single survey ( n = 90). The sample group for this research included all nursing staff from both inpatient units and community services. High levels of occupational violence against nurses overall and in the past year, underreporting of incidents, and high levels of staff fear are prominent findings of this study. There needs to be a total review of all policy relating to occupational violence with special focus given to the results of this study. The areas of risk management, training, sanctioning, and incident reporting should head the list, as well as addressing staff culture. Universally adopting a zero tolerance approach to occupational violence suggests that it is far from being part of the job. Further, management should consider a comprehensive orientation package that informs patients and their significant others about the role of the treating team. Communicating adequately with patients and their significant others is needed to clarify expectations and to avoid frustration and angry outbursts.