Hospital Violence Reduction Among High-Risk Patients

David J. Drummond, Landy F. Sparr, Geoffrey H. Gordon

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

81 Scopus citations

Abstract

We describe the success of one general hospital in reducing violent behavior among a group of repetitively disruptive patients. Following a pilot phase during which violent incidents at the medical center were characterized by location, type, and person responsible, a group of patients at high risk for repeated violence was identified (N = 48). Data were gathered for 1 year before and after the institution of a program designed to reduce violence, primarily in ambulatory care areas, among this group. Outcome assessment included comparison of the number of violent incidents and the number of visits to the medical center during the 12 months before and after the program was started. The number of incidents declined by 91.6%, and visits to the medical center for any reason decreased by 42.2%. The ratio of violent incidents to visits after the program was begun was less than one sixth the rate before the program. Components of the program are described, including staff resistance and management strategies.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)2531-2534
Number of pages4
JournalJAMA: The Journal of the American Medical Association
Volume261
Issue number17
DOIs
StatePublished - May 5 1989
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Hospital Violence Reduction Among High-Risk Patients'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this