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Reducing violence on a secure ward

Charing Cross and Westminster Medical School; Huddersfield Health Authority, Yorkshire

Correspondence: ^* Correspondence c/o West London Healthcare NHS Trust, Uxbridge Road, Southall, Middlesex UB1 3EU

Prediction of in-patient psychiatric violence is difficult: longitudinal appraisal during environmental change may identity influential factors. Incidents on a secure ward fell substantially in number and severity over 31 months during which staff were trained in control and restraint techniques (C&R) and a monthly audit of incidents was carried out. A few patients caused many incidents. Women were disproportionately violent: both sexes preferred a victim of the same gender. Most incidents occurred in clusters by the same patient. Perceived antecedents were patients' psychosis, inadequate C&R and other staff. Increasing C&R staff was the only factor associated with reducing violence. Patients attacked each other rather than nurses as violence decreased.

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