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Modifying the behavior of the violent patient
1Dept. of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical College, New York, NY.
The Psychiatric Quarterly
|January 1, 1993
Summary
Effective behavioral interventions can significantly reduce violent patient behavior in hospitals. Careful assessment and trained staff are crucial for successful implementation of these evidence-based techniques.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Psychology
- Clinical Psychiatry
- Healthcare Management
Background:
- Hospital settings frequently encounter patient violence.
- Managing violent behavior requires structured interventions.
- Existing methods need systematic evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline behavioral techniques for treating violent patients.
- To emphasize the importance of assessment and staff training.
- To highlight research-based methodologies for violence reduction.
Main Methods:
- Review of various behavioral intervention strategies.
- Emphasis on situational assessment and staff preparedness.
- Description of techniques: environmental changes, relaxation, systematic desensitization, differential reinforcement, token economies, response cost, time out, social skills training, and multi-component programs.
Main Results:
- Behavioral techniques offer a systematic approach to managing patient violence.
- Proper staff training is essential for the success of these interventions.
- Environmental modifications and specific behavioral strategies can reduce violent incidents.
Conclusions:
- Violent behavior in hospitals can be substantially reduced through systematic, research-based behavioral interventions.
- Thorough assessment and adequate staff training are prerequisites for effective treatment.
- A combination of techniques may offer the most comprehensive approach to patient safety.