A staff self-reported retrospective survey of assaults on a psychiatric intensive care ward and attitudes towards assaults

Abstract

Introduction: Assaults on staff on psychiatric intensive care wards are unfortunately common and have a negative impact on morale.Method: Staff on one PICU completed a survey providing an account of any assaults they had experienced over the previous year and a separate survey regarding attitudes towards assaults.Results: 65% of staff members reported having being assaulted over the year. Most did not take any time off work. Attitudes towards prosecution of patients varied. Staff valued training in this area.Conclusions: Assaults are common on a PICU and staff are ambivalent about prosecuting patients. More training may be of value regarding prediction of assaults, and about the criminal justice interface.