Workplace Violence Prevention Programs in Psychiatric Units and Facilities

This study compared workplace violence prevention programs in psychiatric units and facilities in California and New Jersey to find a higher proportion of hospitals in California had written WVP policies, and aHigher proportion of New Jersey hospitals had implemented environmental and security modifications to reduce violence.

Abstract

Psychiatric health care providers have high rates of workplace violence victimization, yet little is known about the strategies used by facilities to reduce violence. This study compared workplace violence prevention (WVP) programs in psychiatric units and facilities in California and New Jersey. Information was collected through interviews, a facility walk-through, and a review of written policies and training material. A similar proportion of hospitals in both states had WVP training programs. A higher proportion of hospitals in California had written WVP policies, and a higher proportion of New Jersey hospitals had implemented environmental and security modifications to reduce violence. Legislation is one of many potential approaches to increase workplace violence prevention programs in health care settings.