39.1 AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR IN MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES: A HOSPITAL SYSTEMS APPROACH TO IMPROVE SAFETY AND DIMINISH RISK

Abstract

Aggression is a frequent cause for admission to child and adolescent psychiatric inpatient units. Violent behavior in the inpatient unit is a serious threat to the safety of patients and staff and poses high risk to hospitals and care systems. The threat of violence can impair the development of the healing environment and derail treatment. Aggressive behavior can pose severe injury risk to staff, create perception of an unsafe environment, and lead to high staff burnout and turnover. Participants will learn the resulting impact of various forms of aggression on patient safety, patient treatment progress, staff job satisfaction, and safety of care providers. They will also gain insight into methods of risk assessment, prediction, and mitigation planning and methods to improve safety and treatment conditions.