Examining the Impact of Patient De-escalation Techniques Training on Nurses\u27 Feeling of Safety

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate the effects of patient behavioral verbal de-escalation techniques training on bedside nurses’ feeling of safety in the presence of an aggressive patient, and nurses’ confidence level in their ability to successfully de-escalate aggressive patient behavior prior to the patient becoming violent. Objectives of this study were to demonstrate increased feelings of safety and security in the workplace among nurses receiving patient de-escalation training once the training was completed; to improve the overall perception of mental health status of nurses; to improve the job satisfaction and likelihood to stay in their current position; and to assess the nurses’ opinion of the value of the patient verbal de-escalation training as it pertains to their practice. Methods: A quasi-experimental study design utilized a preintervention and postintervention survey to assess the impact of the patient behavioral verbal de-escalation training on the nurses’ feeling of safety and their confidence level to manage aggressive patient behavioral episodes. The patient behavioral de-escalation training and survey assessments were conducted as a pilot study in the Emergency Department, Pavilion A Tower 100 Trauma ICU/Progressive Units, and the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU). Results: There were strong statistical differences noted in the results of preintervention surveys and postintervention surveys regarding bedside nurses’ feeling of safety in the presence of an aggressive patient and confidence level of being able to successfully de-escalate aggressive patient behavior prior to the patient becoming violent. No statistical significance was noted in the results pertaining to overall mental health status, job satisfaction, or intent to stay in or leave current position within the coming year. Conclusion: Patient de-escalation techniques training is one proven effective tool in the nurse executive’s toolkit to help prepare nurses in their organization to protect themselves and others against potential Type II workplace violence episodes