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Staff injuries from inpatient violence
Hospital & Community Psychiatry
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Inpatient violence at a forensic hospital caused 135 staff injuries in one year. Nursing staff experienced the most injuries, particularly during patient containment and assaults.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Psychiatry
- Occupational Health and Safety
- Healthcare Management
Background:
- Inpatient violence poses significant risks to healthcare staff.
- Understanding injury patterns is crucial for developing effective safety interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the patterns and characteristics of staff injuries resulting from inpatient violence.
- To identify specific staff groups at higher risk and the circumstances surrounding injuries.
Main Methods:
- A one-year retrospective study was conducted at a large forensic state hospital.
- Data collected on staff injuries, including type, mechanism, and demographic factors of injured staff.
Main Results:
- 135 injuries were sustained by 121 staff members.
- Nursing staff accounted for the majority of injuries (120), with high rates during containment and assault.
- Male nursing staff and ward nursing leadership showed elevated injury rates.
- Assault-related injuries were more severe, causing longer absences and affecting newer staff.
Conclusions:
- Inpatient violence presents a substantial occupational hazard in forensic settings.
- Targeted safety measures are needed, especially for nursing staff, focusing on containment and assault prevention.
- Further research into injury mechanisms and prevention strategies is warranted.