Evaluating staff use of crisis prevention intervention techniques: a pilot study

The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate staff use of crisis prevention intervention (CPI) techniques in averting crisis episodes at the various levels (anxiety, defensive, and acting out) of a crisis (resulting in reduction of seclusion and restraint episodes and patient/staff injuries). A descriptive correlational research design was used. Data were collected by nurse observers trained in CPI techniques through observation of patient incidents and staff interventions. A 51-item CPI instrument based on the CPI training program techniques was developed and used for data collection. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, t tests, ANOVA, and the Scheffe test. One hundred forty-six observations of patient incidents were completed on both day and evening shifts. The results of the study indicate that staff use of CPI training program techniques was effective in resolving crises in 84.2% of the episodes observed and over a wide variety of diagnostic and functional levels.