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. 2024 Jun;31(3):252-256.
doi: 10.21315/mjms2024.31.3.20. Epub 2024 Jun 27.

Managing Aggressive Behaviour in Healthcare: Balancing of Patients and Staff Interests

Yusrita Zolkefli  1   2
Affiliations

Managing Aggressive Behaviour in Healthcare: Balancing of Patients and Staff Interests

Yusrita Zolkefli. Malays J Med Sci. 2024 Jun.

Abstract

The incidence of aggression within healthcare environments has exhibited a discernible rise. As a response, restrictive measures, including restraints, are enforced. Due to the safety and ethical concerns associated with using restraint, de-escalation measures are regarded as the most efficient course of action. The paper posits that it is critical to identify the causes of aggression before employing restraint through a multidisciplinary risk assessment. In addition, the reasonableness and proportionality of administering restraint must be carefully measured. The significance of cultivating a therapeutic and compassionate environment is emphasised. The paper will exclusively examine physical restraint as a form of restriction intervention.

Keywords: aggression; delivery of health care; ethics; restraint; safety; violence.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest: None.

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