Reducing Violence and Coercive Interventions in Psychiatric Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Tilman Steinert, Frank Eisele, Ulla Goeser, Stefan Tschoeke, Carmen Uhlmann, Peter Schmid
Primary Institution: Centre for Psychiatry Weissenau, Clinical Department, Germany
Hypothesis
Can a specialized crisis intervention ward reduce violence and coercive interventions among in-patients with adjustment and personality disorders?
Conclusion
The organizational change was highly effective in reducing coercive interventions and violent behaviors without additional costs.
Supporting Evidence
- Coercive interventions decreased by 85% among patients with personality disorders.
- Violent behaviors decreased by about 50%.
- The proportion of involuntary committed patients decreased by 70%.
Takeaway
A special ward for patients with certain mental health issues helped reduce the use of restraints and violence, making treatment better for everyone.
Methodology
The study compared coercive interventions and violent behaviors before and after the establishment of a specialized ward for patients with personality and adjustment disorders.
Potential Biases
Data was collected by hospital staff, which could introduce bias, although no systematic bias was noted.
Limitations
The study lacked a control group and relied on routine documentation, which may affect data quality.
Participant Demographics
Patients primarily had adjustment disorders (ICD-10 F4) and personality disorders (ICD-10 F6), with a significant proportion being female.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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