Related Experiment Videos
Physical attacks on psychiatric residents by patients
The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease
|April 1, 1980
Summary
Nearly half of psychiatric residents reported patient attacks, often triggered by patient frustration. Resident irritability was linked to a higher likelihood of being attacked, highlighting potential workplace safety concerns.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Medical Education
- Patient Safety
Background:
- Patient aggression poses risks in psychiatric settings.
- Understanding factors contributing to resident attacks is crucial for training environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the frequency and conditions of patient-on-psychiatric-resident attacks.
- To explore resident personality characteristics associated with experiencing such attacks.
Main Methods:
- Interviews were conducted with 31 psychiatric residents at a major medical center.
- Data collected included reported attacks, triggering conditions, and resident personality traits via an interview scale.
Main Results:
- 48% of residents reported experiencing patient attacks.
- Patient frustration was identified as a common trigger for attacks.
- Higher resident irritability scores correlated with an increased likelihood of being attacked.
Conclusions:
- Patient attacks on psychiatric residents are prevalent.
- Resident irritability may be a risk factor for experiencing patient aggression.
- Findings underscore the need for enhanced safety protocols and training in psychiatric residency programs.