A descriptive study to assess the attitude regarding management of aggressive patient among the staff nurses

Abstract

Aggression and violence by patients towards staff nurses are global issues. Professional skills and alternative methods are required when dealing with aggressive patients. This paper assesses the attitudes of staff nurses regarding the management of aggressive patients. A quantitative research approach with a descriptive cross-sectional survey design (conducted online) was employed. One hundred and four staff nurses working in general hospitals were selected using convenient sampling. Data were collected through a demographic information form, including age, education, and marital status, and a structured attitude scale. Regarding the experience of abuse, the majority (67.4%) of participants reported experiencing verbal abuse, whereas only 28.8% reported experiencing physical abuse from violent and aggressive patients. The majority of participants agreed that the patient's physical environment, communication, interpersonal relationships, culture, and intervention play important roles in managing aggressive patients. The management strategies nurses adopt are influenced by their attitudes and beliefs regarding patient aggression. This study concluded that most of the staff nurses had a positive to neutral attitude towards the management of aggressive patients. These findings can be utilized for the development of future training regarding strategies to manage aggression for working nurses.