Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of behavior management training on nurses' confidence in managing aggressive patients.
BACKGROUND: Nurses are at a high risk of experiencing violence directed toward them by patients.
METHODS: This quality improvement project used a pre-and-post study design. A survey was administered within 1 month before behavior management training and 1 month after training, capturing participants' demographic and work characteristics, as well as their experiences with patient/visitor-perpetrated violence. Confidence was measured using the Confidence in Coping with Patient Aggression Instrument. Open-ended questions sought participants' thoughts on workplace violence prevention initiatives.
RESULTS: Thirty-eight confidence scores were assessed. Nurses' confidence in coping with patient aggression was significantly higher after behavior management training. Nurse participants described the training as "timely," "helpful," and "beneficial."
CONCLUSION: With an increased understanding of violent behavior stages and warning signs, a nurse is better able to manage a potentially violent situation.