Characteristics of Staff Victims of Psychiatric Patient Assaults: 20-Year Analysis of the Assaulted Staff Action Program

Abstract

Psychiatric patient assaults on healthcare staff are a worldwide occupational hazard. This present 20-year, retrospective study examined the characteristics of these staff victims in one public-sector, health care system and assessed the psychological support provided to these victims by the post-incident Assaulted Staff Action Program (ASAP). An additional analysis compared the victim characteristics in this same health care system at 10-, 15-, and 20-year intervals. The findings were consistent with earlier, worldwide studies. Staff victims tend to be younger, less formally educated, less experienced, and less trained mental health workers, residential house counselors, and trainees of differing disciplines. ASAP provided needed support to staff victims. Risk management strategies for safety, methodological issues, and the problem of denial in fielding a post-incident crisis intervention program for staff victims were discussed.

Well-Being and Safety Among Inpatient Psychiatric Staff: The Impact of Conflict, Assault, and Stress Reactivity

“…It is generally accepted that assault records data are underestimates, because staff may under-report harassment or assault due to fear of being perceived as less competent or being blamed (Lion, Synder, & Merrill, 1981), peer pressure not to report assault based on the gender of the person assaulted (Lanza, Kayne, Hicks, & Milner, 1991), or a lack of desire to deal with excessive paperwork (Lion et al, 1981). Staff who are assaulted tend to be younger (under 30 years old), less experienced, less educated, provide more direct care, spend more time with patients, receive lower pay, and possess low levels of qualifications (Cunningham, Connor, Miller, & Melloni, 2003; Flannery, LeVitre, Rego, & Walker, 2011). The present study will control for years of experience and direct care staff roles.…”

A cross‐sectional survey of factors related to inpatient assault of staff in a forensic psychiatric hospital

“…A preponderance of studies focused on identifying static characteristics of staff or patients associated with assault, such as gender, age, type of diagnosis or position (Whittington & Wykes 1994, Cunningham et al 2003, Flannery et al 2007. A preponderance of studies focused on identifying static characteristics of staff or patients associated with assault, such as gender, age, type of diagnosis or position (Whittington & Wykes 1994, Cunningham et al 2003, Flannery et al 2007.…”

Recovery‐focussed care: How it can be utilized to reduce aggression in the acute mental health setting

“…For instance, consumers at high risk for becoming aggressive often have a lived experience of physical or sexual abuse, interpersonal or generational trauma, or report experiencing trauma during previous hospitalizations (Flannery et al . ; Grenyer et al . ; Vandecasteele et al .…”