Date of Award

Summer 2023

Project Type

Thesis

College or School

CHHS

Department

Nursing

Program or Major

Direct Entry Master's of Nursing Program

Degree Name

Master of Science

First Advisor

Pamela Kallmerten

Abstract

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Violence in the United States has significant impacts on the healthcare system. On average, there are about 7.8 per 1,000 workers yearly that experience violent injuries (Grossman & Choucair, 2019). In 2016, it was estimated that approximately $429 million was added to treat and prevent injuries to healthcare workers (Grossman & Choucair, 2019). By implementing the Broset Violence Checklist (BVC) as a screening tool for early identification of risk for violence, there is a possibility for a reduction in the number of violent occurrences in the workplace.

LOCAL PROBLEM: Within the given microsystem, there is a lack of education regarding violent behaviors resulting in an increase in violent occurrences in the workplace. The specific aim of the project was to decrease the number of violent occurrences in the microsystem by 50%.

METHODS: Utilizing the Plan-Do-Study-Act model, a pre-/post-test survey design with accompanying educational materials was provided to healthcare staff in the microsystem. Responses for both pre-test and post-test surveys were analyzed to examine not only the effectiveness of the Broset Violence Checklist but staff perception of safety in the microsystem.

INTERVENTIONS: An educational component was presented asynchronously on workplace violence and the use of the BVC for early identification of risk.

RESULTS: Data analysis indicates an increase in staff perception of safety, and an overall decrease in physical and verbal assaults in the microsystem. Prior to the implementation of the BVC, 83% of staff reported that if they encountered a violent situation, they would have the necessary tools and education to handle the situation properly and effectively. Following the intervention, this number increased to 94%. Physical assaults prior to implementation were 83%, which decreased to 66% following the intervention. Verbal assaults prior to implementation were 100%, which decreased to 88% following the intervention. Overall, the implementation of the BVC was successful in reducing violence in the workplace.

CONCLUSIONS: The Broset Violence Checklist was an effective tool in reducing violence in the workplace. Staff members reported a decrease in physical and verbal assaults after the implementation. Also reported, was an increase in perception of safety in the microsystem.

Keywords: Broset violence checklist, workplace violence, mental health, violence, nursing staff, quality improvement

Download

Share

COinS