Rb. Flannery et al., Characteristics of staff victims of patient assault: Ten year analysis of the Assaulted Staff Action Program: (ASAP), PSYCHIAT Q, 72(3), 2001, pp. 237-248
Patient assaults on staff have been a continuing risk for inpatient and com
munity-based psychiatric healthcare providers. This study presents a ten-ye
ar analysis of the characteristics of staff victims of patient assaults in
one public mental health system of care, a period which included the transi
tion to managed care initiatives within this system. Assault data was gathe
red within the context of the Assaulted Staff Action Program (ASAP), a volu
ntary, system-wide, peer-help, crisis intervention program that is designed
to assist employees with the psychological sequelae of these patient event
s. In general, the findings were consistent with previously reported inpati
ent and community studies. Less experienced, less formally trained employee
s remain at high risk. The impact of managed care initiatives was found in
community residences where younger female staff were most at risk. The impl
ications of the findings and possible risk management strategies are discus
sed.