Replicated declines in assault rates after implementation of the Assaulted Staff Action Program

Abstract

A program to address the psychological sequelae of patients' assaults on psychiatric health care staff--the Assaulted Staff Action Program (ASAP)--was previously shown to be associated with a notable decline in the assault rate at the state hospital where it was implemented. This study examined whether these findings would be replicated when ASAP was introduced at three additional state hospitals. Assault rates during the three months before implementation were compared with rates in the first four quarters after implementation. Each facility reported a similar significant decline in rates during the first quarter after implementation and no additional declines in the next three quarters.