A Conceptual Model for Nurses' Decision-making with the Aggressive Psychiatric Patient. (3rd August 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Moylan, Lois Biggin
• Is Part Of: Issues in mental health nursing. Volume 36:Number 8(2015)
• Page Start: 577
• Page End: 582
• Publication Date: 2015-08-03
• Subjects: Psychiatric nursing -- Periodicals; Mental health personnel -- Periodicals; 616.89023105
• DOI: 10.3109/01612840.2015.1019019
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0161-2840

Abstract

Abstract : Violence in the acute care psychiatric setting is an ongoing serious problem. Maintenance of a safe therapeutic environment is a paramount responsibility of nurses practicing in this area. Ethical and legal standards demand that the nurse intervenes in aggressive situations in a manner that employs the least intrusive and restrictive measures necessary to provide safety. Therefore, accurate and effective decision-making in aggressive situations, which can escalate rapidly, is of great importance. This paper discusses a theoretical model for decision-making in selecting interventions with aggressive psychiatric patients. This model may provide a basis for the development of training and education programs for effective decision-making in this area.