Hospital workers can be trained to spot potentially violent patients, researchers say

Detroit – Hospital workers can be trained on identifying risk factors for patient violence as well as how to lessen or prevent incidents, according to a new study from Wayne State University.

Researchers examined 214 incidents involving violent patients. Most incidents were documented by nurses (39.8 percent), security (15.9 percent) and nurse assistants (14.4 percent). Researchers found patient violence was frequent when needles were used, and when patients were in pain or discomfort or were being moved. The use of restraints, changes in care, interventions to protect patients or workers, and redirecting patients also led to patient violence against workers.

Researchers concluded that “identifying catalysts and situations involved in patient violence in hospitals informs administrators about potential targets for intervention.”

The study was published online Aug. 4 in the Journal of Advanced Nursing.