Implementation of the dynamic appraisal of situational aggression in inpatient mental health.

Abstract

Purpose: To implement structured violence risk assessment (VRA) using the Dynamic Appraisal of Situational Aggression (DASA) on a 25-bed, adult, inpatient psychiatric unit.

Design and methods: Inpatient DASA screening for 13 weeks with nursing communication orders (NCOs) to highlight patients at high risk for violence. Pre/posttests measured registered nurse (RN) knowledge and perceptions of the DASA.

Findings: DASA completion rate equaled 81.8% with an NCO issue rate of only 32.8%. RN perceptions of the DASA were positive, and knowledge of structured violence risk assessment increased.

Practice implications: Structured violence risk assessment with the DASA is feasible and well-accepted on psychiatric units.