Nursing staffs' experience of being a subject of violence in acute psychiatric settings : a qualitative study

Abstract

The subject of aggression and violence has been a topic of dispute for many years and has become a recognised occupational hazard within health care services. The aim of this research project was to identify the experiences of six nursing staff who had been the subject of violence in acute psychiatric in-patient settings. Through the use of a qualitative approach (semi-structured interviews), three major themes were developed focusing on the experience, the outcome of the incident and support and training issues. The interview schedule was developed from European and North American literature, which focused on the act of violence towards staff and staff experiences of being violated by a patient. Recommendations where then devised with reference to the literature and the specific responses of the interviewees.