Abstract
BackgroundThe concept of ward culture has been proposed as a reason for the often reported differences in treatment decisions when managing inpatient aggression. We therefore studied whether staff on wards actually shares similar perceptions and attitudes about aggression and whether the specialty of the ward on which the staff members work influences these opinions.MethodsThe Attitudes Towards Aggression Scale was used to assess attitudes towards aggression in 31 closed psychiatric wards. Altogether 487 staff members working on the study wards were asked to fill in the scale. Respondent’s gender, age, educational level, working experience on the current ward, and specialty of this ward (acute, forensic, rehabilitation) served as background variables.ResultsMost of the variance found was due to differences between individuals. Belonging to the personnel of a particular ward did not explain much of the variance.ConclusionsPsychiatric staff on the wards does not share attitudes on aggression. As each staff member has his/her own opinion about aggression, training for dealing with aggression or violent incidents should be done, at least partly, on an individual level. We also suggest caution in using the concept of ward culture as an explanation for the use of restrictive measures on psychiatric wards.
Highlights
The concept of ward culture has been proposed as a reason for the often reported differences in treatment decisions when managing inpatient aggression
Available data suggest that marked differences both in numbers of patients subjected to various coercive interventions and in durations of these interventions between countries [5]
Aim of the study The concept of ward culture has been proposed as a reason for the often reported differences in treatment decisions when managing inpatient aggression
Summary
The concept of ward culture has been proposed as a reason for the often reported differences in treatment decisions when managing inpatient aggression. Being subjected to verbal abuse or violent behavior can result in psychological trauma in addition to possible physical injury [3]. Coercive interventions, such as seclusion and mechanical restraint, are common methods for managing violent behavior during psychiatric hospitalization. Their use is highly controversial as they restrict the patient’s freedom, being used against his/her will [4].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
