Nurses` Experiences of Patient Aggression in Psychiatric Wards

Abstract

Background: Patient aggression has emerged as a significant challenge in clinical practice worldwide, particularly within psychiatric wards, resulting in both physical and psychological harm to healthcare providers, caregivers, and fellow patients. A substantial proportion of healthcare professionals encounter patient aggression during their careers, and nurses are more likely to face aggressive behaviors from patients due to their closer interactions with them compared to other healthcare professionals. Aim: The research explores nurses' experiences regarding patient aggression in psychiatric wards. The purpose of the study is to create awareness about the effects of patient aggression on nurses in psychiatric wards. Method: The research was carried out employing a literature review methodology. Data were gathered from the CINAHL, Medline, and PubMed healthcare databases, encompassing seven articles published between 2014 and 2024. The data were analysed utilizing a content analysis tool specifically designed for qualitative studies. Findings: The effects of patient aggression on nurses was classified into three primary categories: physical effect, psychological/emotional effect, and professional effect. The central categories were partitioned into six subcategories. Physical effects were described as bodily injuries and stress-related physical effects . Psychological/emotional effects included subcategories of fear,anxiety, and burnout while professional effects were sub-categorized into job dissatisfaction and substandard care. Conclusion: Patient aggression has significant effects on nurses working in psychiatric wards, encompassing physical, psychological/emotional, and professional dimensions. The physical consequences include injuries and stress-related ailments. Psychologically and emotionally, nurses may experience heightened levels of anxiety, fear, and burnout as a result of such aggression. The aggressive behaviors exhibited by patients can instill a sense of fear and anxiety in some nursing staff. Professionally, this aggression con-tributes to job dissatisfaction and a declining retention rate among nurses. Furthermore, patient aggression fosters a strained relationship between nurses and the aggressive individuals, leading to a decreased willingness to deliver patient-centered care, ultimately compromising the overall quality of care.