A program to help staff cope with psychological sequelae of assaults by patients

Mental hospital staff who are assaulted by patients are at risk of developing symptoms associated with posttraumatic stress disorder. The Assaulted Staff Action Program (ASAP), a voluntary program, offers support to staff victims of patient assaults in a state mental hospital. ASAP team members debrief assault victims, assessing the victim's sense of control, social supports, and ability to make sense of the incident. A short-term support group is offered. During the program's first 90 days, the team responded to 67 assaults. Ten days after the assaults, many of the victims had not regained a sense of control, did not have a support network, and were unable to make sense of the incident. These factors put them at risk for PTSD symptoms. The costs of such a program are discussed.