The aggressive patient experiences of healthcare professionals exposed to physical violence in a psychiatric clinic: A phenomenological study*

Abstract

Purpose This study investigated the experiences of healthcare professionals, exposed to physical violence, related to aggressive patients at a psychiatry service. Design and Methods The qualitative study sample consisted of a total of 21 healthcare professionals. The data were collected through in‐depth interviews. An inductive qualitative content analysis was used to analyze the data. Findings Three themes, the effects of warning signs of violence, clinical management of violence, and effects of violence, and 13 sub‐themes were determined. Practice Implications The effects of physical violence on healthcare professionals can be seen and will contribute to planning in this regard.

Implementing Violence Training to Reduce Workplace Violence amongst Registered Nurses and Healthcare Professionals

“…Another study conducted by Ayhan, et al [12] in a psychiatric setting found poor management of violence. There was a lack of confidence in their de-escalation skills, and helplessness seemed to emerge, making the participants feel the only option left was physically and chemically restraining the violent perpetrator.…”

Association between characteristics of nursing teams and patients' aggressive behavior in closed psychiatric wards

“…Although highly relevant, concentrating solely on patient characteristics to assess the risk of aggressive behavior is a one‐sided strategy. The role of nursing characteristics can provide further insight in the risk or aggressive behavior (Ayhan et al, 2021 ; Lamanna et al, 2016 ; Weltens et al, 2021 ). Salzmann‐Erikson and Yifter ( 2019 ) found that nurses with longer employment encountered less aggressive patient behavior during their shift.…”