Work

Management of psychiatric in-patient violence in the Anglia region

Year: 1999

Type: article

Abstract: Aims and method A total of 384 incidents of violence against the person (six ‘serious' and 378 ‘mild’), by adult in-patients in general psychiatric units (GPUs) and learning disability units (LDUs) in 10 National Health Service trusts in the Anglia region, were evaluated by Interviews with staff and examination of records. Results The findings, when compared with standards derived from previous recommendations, showed deficiencies in the documentation of incidents (there was no satisfactory written record of physical restraint for 97% of incidents in GPUs and 86% in LDUs), in the training of staff in ‘control and restraint’ procedures (If two or more staff were involved In physical restraint, for 3% of incidents in GPUs and 100% in LDUs, the staff had received no training within the previous 12 months) and in policies for victim support (there was no written policy that included procedures for victim support in relation to 84% of incidents in GPUs and 44% in LDUs). Clinical implications Trusts should consider reviewing their policies on the prevention and management of violence, particularly in relation to staff training.

Source: Psychiatric Bulletin

DOI: 10.1192/pb.23.8.486

Authors: J. H. Dowson, J. Butler, O. Williams

Institutions: Addenbrooke's Hospital, University of Cambridge

Language: English

Topic: Healthcare Decision-Making and Restraints

Subfield: Clinical Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Peace, justice, and strong institutions, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

OpenAlex ID: W2241465350