Assault rates and implementation of a workplace violence prevention program in the veterans health care administration

Objective: This study examined the relationship between changes in assault rates over time and the implementation of a workplace violence prevention (WVP) program in 138 Department of Veterans Affairs health care facilities. METHODS: Data on WVP implementation were assessed for each facility by a three-person team. We computed three WVP dimension scores: training, workplace practices, and environmental control and security. We obtained 6 years of assault rate data from the national injury system. Using a linear mixed model, we analyzed whether the WVP implementation was associated with lower assault rates controlling for time and organizational characteristics. RESULTS: Training implementation was negatively associated with assault rates. Facilities with smaller bed sizes and without academic affiliates had lower assault rates. CONCLUSIONS: Particular attention should be given to these dimensions because they may be associated with lower facility-level assault rates.