Successful Implementation of Policies Addressing Lateral Violence

Abstract

Lateral violence is a problem in nursing despite policies addressing the issue, which suggests that implementation of these policies may be ineffective. We used an evidence-based approach to locate and appraise evidence about effectively implementing lateral violence policies. Our search strategy emphasized preappraised evidence, and we found 12 sources that met our inclusion criteria. Most evidence was from low-level sources, which is not surprising due to the subjective and sensitive nature of this topic. The evidence did not indicate that there is consistent, effective implementation of lateral violence policies. The appraised evidence suggests the importance of collaboratively prepared implementation strategies. Administrator involvement and relationships with staff members and the presence of a commitment to positive behavior change before lateral violence incidents occur are factors that can lead to successful implementation of lateral violence policies.