Validation of the Assault (Violence) Response Scale: An Update.

Area of Science:

• Nursing Research
• Psychometric Evaluation
• Violence Prevention

Background:

• The Assault (Violence) Response Questionnaire (ARQ) has been utilized globally since the 1980s.
• Existing instruments require updates to reflect contemporary challenges in healthcare settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To update and refine the ARQ for enhanced usability and scope.
• To develop a more efficient and comprehensive measure of patient assault experienced by healthcare professionals.

Main Methods:

• The ARQ was revised and shortened from 88 to 33 items, creating the ARQ-R.
• The revised scale underwent extensive testing for reliability and validity.
• New items were incorporated to include verbal assault and withholding information.

Main Results:

• The shortened ARQ-R (33 items) maintained high reliability and validity compared to the original 88-item scale.
• The revised instrument demonstrates robust psychometric properties.

Conclusions:

• The ARQ-R offers a significantly reduced completion time, making it practical for busy nurses.
• This updated tool is suitable for measuring nurse-reported assault in both hospital and community healthcare environments.