Prevention of aggression in psychiatric patients in five psychiatric hospitals in China: a best practice...

Violent behavior remains prevalent in psychiatric settings and has serious negative impacts on the physical and mental well-being of health care professionals. Although evidence suggests that systematic risk assessment, patient engagement, and individualized care plans are effective preventive measures, a significant gap persists between such evidence-based prevention strategies and clinical practice in adult psychiatric inpatient units in China.

This project aimed to promote evidence-based practices for the prevention and management of violence among psychiatric adult inpatients in five psychiatric hospitals in China.

This project applied the JBI Evidence Implementation Framework. Using an audit-feedback strategy, we conducted a baseline audit using six evidence-based audit criteria. Identified barriers informed tailored implementation strategies. A follow-up audit then measured changes in clinical practice compliance.

The baseline audit showed that families' ability to recognize and manage aggressive behavior was poor and the use of individualized care plans was 0%. The follow-up audit revealed improvements, with three indicators reaching 100%. Moreover, the implementation rate of individualized care plans increased from 14.67% to 86% and was successfully integrated into the clinical pathway.

This evidence implementation project produced beneficial shifts. A standardized prevention protocol for aggression is now active; personalized care plans and the level of family involvement have both improved to varying degrees; and staff members' knowledge and skills have been strengthened. Future efforts are needed to sustain these achievements and further enhance adherence to best practices.

http://links.lww.com/IJEBH/A607.