KNOw workplace violence: developing programs for managing the risk of aggression in the health care setting

Abstract

Strategies to prevent and manage violence and aggression in the health care setting have become a primary health and safety issue. A series of vignettes are provided to highlight key elements in developing a program for preventing behavioural violence and aggression in a tertiary hospital. Key components of the program include staff education and training, risk assessment and management practices, the use of patient contracts and policy development. The program aims to integrate and balance occupational health and safety obligations to staff with the duty of care owed to patients.