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Prospective study into factors associated with aggressive incidents in psychiatric acute admission wards

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 January 2018

King Kho ,
Tom Sensky ,
Ann Mortimer  and
Christopher Corcos
King Kho
Affiliation:
Hounslow and Spelthorne Community and Mental Health NHS Trust, West Middlesex University Hospital
Tom Sensky*
Affiliation:
Division of Neuroscience and Psychological Medicine, Imperial College School of Medicine, West Middlesex University Hospital
Ann Mortimer
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, University of Hull, College of Health, De la Pole Hospital, Willerby, East Yorkshire
Christopher Corcos
Affiliation:
Hounslow and Spelthorne Community and Mental Health NHS Trust, West Middlesex University Hospital
*
Dr Tom Sensky, Lakeside Mental Health Unit, West Middlesex University Hospital, Isleworth, Middlesex TW7 6AF. Fax: 0181 244 9917; e-mail [email protected]
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Abstract

Background

Factors associated with aggression among psychiatric in-patients are still poorly understood. Inconsistent published findings are partly attributable to methodological problems. Much previous research has been undertaken in specialist settings, where conditions are likely to differ from those in acute admission wards.

Method

Levels of aggression were ascertained weekly by staff report, using a reliable measure, for every patient on five acute admission wards and one locked intensive care ward at two hospitals prospectively over a five-month period.

Results

Levels of aggression varied considerably among the admission wards. Aggression was more common on the locked ward and among younger patients. Factors associated with aggression changed with time since admission (seldom examined in previous studies). Complex associations were found with gender, ethnic group and diagnosis.

Conclusions

Some of the findings might be explicable by differences in ward environment, and staff–patient interactions. Further investigation into these is warranted.

Type
Papers
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 172 , Issue 1 , January 1998 , pp. 38 - 43
Copyright
Copyright © 1998 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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