Violence Prevention Climate in Civil and Forensic Mental Health Settings: Common Goal, Different Views?

Abstract

This study aimed to explore staff and patients’ views on the violence prevention climate in civil and forensic mental health settings. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 110 inpatients and 198 staff members from three civil mental health hospitals (including two forensic units) and one forensic mental health hospital in Canada. Staff and patients’ perceptions of the violence prevention climate on civil and forensic mental health units were measured using the modified violence prevention climate scale, French version (VPC-M-FR). Multiple analyses of variance (ANOVAs) were performed to assess differences in the VPC-M-FR total and subscale scores (staff action, patient action, therapeutic environment) between patients and staff, settings (civil vs. forensic), restrictive practices (presence vs. absence of seclusion or restraints), incidents of violence during hospitalization (presence vs. absence), and victimization (presence vs. absence). In both settings, patients’ views of the violence prevention climate were significantly more positive than those of the staff. Staff in forensic mental health settings had a more positive perception of the violence prevention climate than those in civil mental health units. The results contribute to a better understanding of the violence prevention climate among staff and patients and will guide future interventions within civil and forensic settings.