Violence risk-assessment screening tools for acute care mental health settings: Literature review

Background: Violence is a large concern for mental health professionals: 90% of physicians and nurses working in mental health areas have been subject to violence from patients. Approximately 80% of violent acts from patients are directed toward nurses. Objective: The purpose of this integrative literature review was to identify violence risk assessment screening tools that could be used in acute care mental health settings. Design: The Stetler model of evidence-based practice guided the literature search, in which 8 violence risk assessment tools were identified, 4 of which were used for further examination. Results: The Broset Violence Checklist and Violence Risk Screening-10 provided the best assessment for violence in the acute care mental health setting. Conclusions: Using a violence risk assessment screening tool helps identify patients at risk for violence allowing for quick intervention to prevent violent episodes.