RISK-FACTORS FOR PSYCHIATRIC INPATIENT ASSAULTS ON STAFF

The risk of psychiatric patient assaults on staff members is increasin g yearly, with resultant increases in employee victim suffering, medic al expense, and lost productivity. Traditionally considered a clinicia n responsibility, the management of patient violence also has importan t administrative implications. This article presents a review of the r isk factors associated with violence that includes the characteristics of patients who assault but adds the characteristics of employee vict ims of such assaults as well as contextual variables. Additional data from a two-year study of a peer-help crisis intervention program for e mployee victims of patient assaults are included. The mental health ad ministrative implications of this approach are outlined.