Investigation of Aggression and Restriction Methods in Psychiatric Settings of a Training and Research Hospital

Abstract

Objective: Aggression is a significant problem seen in psychiatric clinics, which can cause physical and psychological trauma. The aim of this study is to investigate aggression and restriction methods in psychiatric settings of a training and research hospital. Method: This descriptive study was conducted in psychiatry services and the Alcohol and Substance Addiction Research Treatment and Education Center between April 1, 2014 and March 31, 2015. The data were collected retrospectively reviewing the completed registration forms immediately after the incident by the clinical nurses. Results: The number of aggression events in the services was 554. It was found that the majority of the events were intended and actual self-harm and occured in the general psychiatry service. The majority of the events were seen during shift hours in august and in summer. Examining restriction methods it was found that no restraining method was used and therapeutic interviews were conducted in the majority of events and that the most commonly used restriction methods were mechanical restraint and intramuscular medication used with mechanical restraint. Discussion: It is a positive result that restriction methods were not used in the majority of events. The treatment activities must be planned outside normal working hours and in the evening to increase the interaction between patients and staff. Studies regarding recognition, reporting, controlling of aggression that became an important problem for safety of patient and staff in psychiatry services should be done.

Keywords

• Aggression
• Psychiatry
• Restraint