Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management: Lessons Learned in One VA Health Care System

Abstract

This article describes how a VA health care system improved its approach to threat management by applying 10 “lessons learned.” Each lesson is presented with a brief description, including practical reforms put in place to reduce the risk of violence, aggression, and disruptive behavior. These reforms include the creation of a formal workplace violence prevention program, formalization of the threat assessment team’s incident review and response protocols, consistent use of an evidence-based threat assessment tool, and the diversification of the team to promote robust interdisciplinary discussions and greater stakeholder representation.