The Assaulted Staff Action Program (ASAP) and declines in the prevalence of assaults: community-based replication

The Assaulted Staff Action Program (ASAP) has been associated with sharp reductions in the frequency of patient assaults on staff in four state hospital settings. Recent national trends in healthcare have resulted in an emphasis on community-based services. This case study sought to assess the effects of ASAP and findings of reduced assaults in a community-based program. In a single-case design, in which the facility served as its own control, an ASAP program was fielded in a community mental health center. A similar sharp reduction in violence was observed. The implications of the findings are presented.