Response to workplace aggression in forensic and secure mental health services: Investigating staff confidence, associated factors, and training needs

Abstract

Objective To evaluate forensic and secure mental health services (FSMHS) staff’s confidence in managing workplace aggression, identify associated factors, and explore their workplace aggression prevention training needs. Methods Through an online survey, staff rated their experience of workplace aggression, perceived effectiveness of current training, and confidence in responding to workplace aggression, and described training needs. Stepwise multiple regression was used to identify associated factors with statistical significance. Thematic analysis was used to generate themes describing their training needs. Results The staff perceived current training as low-to-medium in effectiveness, mirroring their confidence in managing workplace aggression. Nurses experienced more workplace aggression compared to other professions. Staff working at High Security perceived current training as less effective compared to those working at Medium Security or Low Security. Qualitative findings underscored the necessity for improved training content, methods, and supportive strategies. Conclusion Recommendations for enhancing training include: tailoring training to FSMHS settings; equally focussing on both non-physical and physical intervention techniques; providing more scenario-based hands-on practice opportunities; delivering training in a reasonable trainer-trainee ratio; prioritising nurses and High Security staff and integrating other professions into the training framework; and implementing strategies that support staff, consumers, and environment to ensure training effectiveness and applicability.