Date of Award

Summer 2023

Project Type

Thesis

College or School

CHHS

Department

Nursing

Program or Major

Clinical Nurse Leadership

Degree Name

Master of Science

First Advisor

Pamela Kallmerten

Second Advisor

Kaitlynn Liset

Abstract

Background: The current microsystem is a critical access 8 bed Emergency Department with 3 hallway beds. On average it can see anywhere from 30-50 patients in a 24 hour period. Due to the nature of the microsystem, staff are at high risk for experiencing workplace violence (WPV). Within this microsystem staff do not have a readily available communication device on their person in case of an adverse event leaving them susceptible to patient to staff WPV. Staff within this microsystem are Management of Aggressive Behavior (MOAB) 1 and 2 trained, however this does not provide education on risk factors for WPV or the lasting effects.

Methods: Continuous data was collected via Safety Attitudes Questionnaire (SAQ) likert scale (1-5), and median SAQ scores pre- and post- interventions were compared via SAQ pre/post survey. Nominal categorical data was collected via staff self-reporting on two-way radio device use. Free text open ended questions provided qualitative themes to microsystem specific topics.

Intervention: Passive WPV education was provided at optimal times to ensure all staff were covered. Staff were encouraged to use a two-way radio system and self-report meaningful use. Staff were encouraged to complete a SAQ before and after the said intervention.

Results: The data did not provide a statistical significance in device utilization and/or perceived feelings of safety and security. Due to limited post-intervention participation and overall negative survey response. SAQ score of .933 pre-intervention indicated an overall strong sense of current perceived safety and security within this microsystem. SAQ median domain score indicated a high staff perceived safety and security at 0.783; however SAQ domain scores did highlight the two areas of opportunity within the microsystem to enhance perception safety and security. Device utilization frequency during the intervention .009% as compared to 0% pre-intervention, which is not statistically significant.

Conclusions: Quality improvement (QI) interventions within this microsystem should focus on real time feedback and open forum communication. Communication devices should be updated and tailored for ease of use. Yearly SAQ should be performed by management to identify gaps in perceived safety and security.

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