Citation

Benjaminsen S. Ugeskr. Laeger 1991; 153(32): 2221-2225.

Vernacular Title

Voldelig adfaerd blandt indlagte psykiatriske patienter. 2. Betydningen af

Affiliation

Odense Sygehus, psykiatrisk afdeling P.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1991, Den Alm Danske Laegerforening)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

1882470

Abstract

Violence is commonest in emergency and closed departments. Lack of structure in the department and inactivity together with an authoritarian staff attitude may increase the frequencies of violent episodes. Too much therapeutic activity may also cause violence in the department. In order to reduce the frequency of episodes of violence, the staff must be adequate in number. Good contact with the patients may have a preventative effect on violence. The experience of the care staff in the treatment of psychiatric patients is of considerable significance. Massive staff changes with appointment of less experienced care staff and many temporary staff members in the department may increase the extent of violence. Training of the staff in the technique of controlling aggression may improve their ability to cope with violent situations. The effect of staff training may depend upon the content of the training programme. Medical assistance may increase the staff capacity to manage difficult situations such as violent episodes. Leaders have considerable influence on the factors which can reduce the extent of violence. Previous investigations show many methodological defects and new investigations are necessary.

Language: da