The aim of this study was to investigate aggression-related work accidents in an inpatient psychiatric unit before and after implementing a no-restraint policy in Italy. Results revealed that, over the study period (2007–2022), 113 accidents occurred, mostly related to physical aggression (81.4%), with healthcare assistants and psychiatric nurses being the most affected and more accidents occurring during the morning shift (49.6%). A transitory peak of accidents occurred during the policy transition (χ 2 2 = 16.0, p < 0.001; V = 1.000), falling rapidly in the subsequent years. In conclusion, adopting a no-restraint policy is not associated with increased aggression toward staff in psychiatric healthcare in the longer term, although greater support is needed during the transition phase to minimize risks.

Is a No-Restraint Policy Associated with Increased Aggression Towards Healthcare Professionals Among Inpatient Psychiatric Units? A 16-Year Retrospective Observational Study Conducted in Italy

Colizzi, Marco
;
Garzitto, Marco;Palese, Alvisa;
2024-01-01

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate aggression-related work accidents in an inpatient psychiatric unit before and after implementing a no-restraint policy in Italy. Results revealed that, over the study period (2007–2022), 113 accidents occurred, mostly related to physical aggression (81.4%), with healthcare assistants and psychiatric nurses being the most affected and more accidents occurring during the morning shift (49.6%). A transitory peak of accidents occurred during the policy transition (χ 2 2 = 16.0, p < 0.001; V = 1.000), falling rapidly in the subsequent years. In conclusion, adopting a no-restraint policy is not associated with increased aggression toward staff in psychiatric healthcare in the longer term, although greater support is needed during the transition phase to minimize risks.
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11390/1295264
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