PROGRAM-EVALUATION OF AN INTERVENTION APPROACH FOR STAFF ASSAULTED BYPATIENTS - PRELIMINARY INQUIRY

Crisis intervention procedures for emergency services personnel and he althcare providers are increasingly being utilized to address the psyc hological sequelae of acute stress during critical incidents. While an ecdotal evidence suggests the efficacy of these approaches, more forma l experimental inquiry has been limited. This brief report outlines on e strategy for conducting program evaluation of a crisis intervention approach for staff who are assaulted by patients. This outcome design was implemented in multiple sites, even as the service was being deliv ered.