Training Nurses in Trauma-Informed Care to Address Workplace Violence in Inpatient Settings

Background: Frontline workers in psychiatric facilities are exposed to considerable risks of verbal and physical assaults, with 40% to 65% of mental health nurses experiencing violence in the workplace. The goal of this pilot study was to assess the readiness and motivation for adopting trauma-informed care (TIC) to address workplace violence in an acute care psychiatric hospital. Method: A pre-post quality improvement study was conducted in two pilot units of a 274-bed acute care psychiatric hospital, involving a discussion-based seminar and a practical exercise. Surveys assessed participants' readiness and motivation posttraining. Results: Sixty-eight staff members completed part 1 training, with 63 (92.6%) reporting being prepared to use TIC principles afterward. All 14 staff members (100%) who completed part 1 and part 2 training reported being motivated to apply the TIC model after the intervention. Conclusion: The results show that TIC training may impact self-reported strategies for reducing workplace violence. Education in trauma-informed care may prove to be beneficial in providing nurses with the necessary skills to effectively implement TIC principles in their daily practices.