Abstract
Poor or ineffective management of the aftermath effects of consumer aggression can cause nurses to experience psychological and emotional responses, which can lead to higher sick leave, medical claims, and in some cases, resignation. These can result in higher healthcare costs, poorer quality care, increase use of restrictive measures, and increase nursing shortage to maintain milieu in inpatient mental health units. A systematic review was done to identify best evidence-based practices for managing the aftermath effects of consumer aggression on nurses.
The inclusion criteria for review are (i) interventions managing aftermath effects of consumer aggression; (ii) empirical researches on interventions managing aftermath effects of consumer aggression; and (iii) qualitative studies and systematic review on managing aftermath effects of consumer aggression. A search was conducted across six databases using keywords: debriefing, counselling, support, PTSD, assault, aggression, violence, and nurse victim, which are found in relevant articles and after consulting experts of the field.
The search yielded a total of 3475 articles, but only 10 articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Excluded articles were mainly related to the management of consumer aggression, risk assessment, management of negative reactions not related to consumer aggression, enhancement of reporting system of consumer aggression, horizontal and/or vertical aggression, and all other types of aggression not related to healthcare.
Although this literature review found a paucity of empirical studies, it identified three interventions (i) formal crisis management; (ii) informal peer support; and (iii) staff training for managing the aftermath effects of consumer aggression on nurses. Formal crisis management is appreciated by nurses as support from organization. Informal peer support is the most widely utilized by nurses when formal support is unavailable. Staff training is expected but with no empirical evidence available to support its effectiveness for managing aftermath effects of consumer aggression on nurses. All these interventions are subjected to the timing delivered, staff attitude and coping mechanism, and working environment.
Despite the lack of empirical data, three interventions were identified and recommended for managing the aftermath effects of consumer aggression on nurse. More empirical research is needed to lead change, shift culture, and improve workplace health effectively.