The stress of patient emergencies for the clinician: Incidence, impact, and means of coping

This article presents evidence from the literature on the incidence and imp act of behavioral emergencies on clinicians as well as suggestions for impr oved education and support for work in this area. Behavioral emergencies ar e conceptualized as including imminent life-threatening behaviors such as p atient suicidal behavior, patient violence, and instances in which patients become the victims of interpersonal violence. Suggestions are offered for how clinicians can understand and cope with their own reactions during and after such patient emergencies. Additionally. data on deficits in the educa tion and training of psychologists are presented along with suggestions for how programs and clinical sites can improve their training in emergency an d crisis work. (C) 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.