Characteristics of patient and staff victims of assaults in community residences by previously nonviolent psychiatric inpatients

Abstract

There currently exists a large body of empirical research examining patient assaults in inpatient psychiatric facilities. These studies have focused primarily on staff and have found younger, male mental health workers with lower levels of formal education and experience as well as nurses involved in restraint procedures to be most at risk. However, despite the increased utilization of community-based services, little attention has been directed toward patient assaults on patients and staff in community settings, particularly residential services. This study began to respond to this need by examining patient assaults toward other patients and staff in community residences during the first twelve months post-discharge for a group of newly discharged patients who were not violent as inpatients. This study found female patients and staff to be at greater risk for assault than male patients. Lack of experience by staff was also a risk factor. The clinical, administrative, and research implications of these findings are discussed.