1 research outputs found
The outcome of a training programme (RESPECT) on staffâs attitudes towards causes and management of aggression in a Regional Referral Hospital of Northern Uganda
Introduction
Occupational violence has been demonstrated to impact negatively on the wellâbeing of nurses and patients. Staff attitudes towards causes and management of patientsâ aggression influence their practice. Training is likely to influence attitudes towards aggression; however, Uganda's health system lacks adequate resources to provide aggression management training for staff.
Aim
To assess the impact of a training programme (RESPECT) on staff attitudes towards causes and management of patient's aggression in a Ugandan hospital.
Methods
This study used a mixedâmethods convergent design. A convenience sample of nurses and support staff employed in the psychiatric ward and other services across the hospital (N = 90) completed the Management of Aggression and Violence Attitude Scale (MAVAS) preâ and postâtraining. The views of a smaller sample (n = 35) were captured via interviews and focus groups and analysed using thematic analysis.
Results
Participants reported greater agreement with patientsâ physical and social environment (external and situational causative models) as factors influencing patient's aggression. Qualitative findings substantiated the results identified in the survey. Attitudes towards seclusion, restraint and medication remained unchanged.
Discussion and implications for practice
RESPECT has the potential to change staff attitudes towards aggression in the short term. Further research is needed to investigate longâterm effects and impact on incidents of aggression