Exposure to patient aggression and health outcomes for forensic mental health nurses: A cross‐sectional survey

Abstract

AimsThe aims of the study were to determine the types and prevalence of forensic mental health nurse exposure to patient aggression and explore the impact of these exposures on their physical and mental health and work absences.DesignCross‐sectional survey conducted January to April 2020.MethodsAll 205 nurses working in an Australian high‐security inpatient forensic mental health hospital were invited to participate. An online survey included the Perception of Prevalence of Aggression Scale to measure respondent exposure to types of patient aggression, and the SF‐36v2 to measure mental and physical health. Absence from work and other work and individual characteristics were also explored.ResultsSixty‐eight respondents completed the survey. Verbal abuse was the most experienced aggression type, followed by physical violence and observing violence, patient self‐harming behaviours and sexual violence. Nurses who worked in acute units experienced significantly more exposure to overall aggression than nurses in non‐acute units. Higher level of aggression was associated with number of days sick leave taken and days off due to aggression or violence. Higher level of aggression was associated with poorer mental health, and patient self‐harming behaviour was associated with poorer physical health.ConclusionsNurses in acute units experience higher levels of inpatient aggression and are therefore at increased risk of being impacted by the exposure. Findings indicate a psychological impact of exposure to frequent aggression and potential for an accumulative effect of exposure to traumatic events on nurse well‐being. Nurses who are victim of, or witness, physical violence are most likely to take time off work.ImpactThis study provides further evidence that forensic mental health nurses are frequently exposed to various forms of patient aggression. For some nurses, this exposure to patient aggression negatively impacted their mental and physical health. Employing organizations should therefore prioritize provision of formal support for nurses.No patient or public contribution.

Vicarious Trauma and Health Outcomes in Forensic Mental Health Nurses

“…This study therefore sought to determine the incidence of vicarious trauma for forensic mental health nurses and to explore its impact on health and absence from work. Findings reported here are part of a larger study that also explored forensic mental health nurse exposure to patient aggression, which is presented elsewhere (Newman et al, In Press).…”