Selecting an Instrument for Assessing the Risk of Patient Violence Across a Healthcare System

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Healthcare Safety
• Violence Prevention

Background:

• Physical violence is a significant cause of workplace injuries among nurses.
• Patient and organizational factors contribute to workplace violence incidents.
• Early identification of patients at risk for violent behavior is recommended.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the need for objective screening instruments.
• To guide organizations in selecting accurate and user-friendly tools.
• To ensure selected tools are appropriate for diverse patient populations.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on workplace violence in nursing.
• Analysis of factors contributing to patient-incited violence.
• Criteria for evaluating screening instruments for accuracy and usability.

Main Results:

• Patient-incited violence is a primary concern in healthcare settings.
• A need exists for validated screening tools for risk assessment.
• Screening instruments must be adaptable across various patient demographics.

Conclusions:

• Implementing effective screening tools is crucial for reducing nurse injuries.
• Objective selection of validated instruments is essential for successful intervention.
• Standardized assessment upon admission can mitigate risks associated with workplace violence.