Abstract
In pediatric settings, there has been an increase in patients with mental health problems, who experience aggressive and threatening behavior. Without proper policies, education, and means to identify triggers for aggressive behavior, nurses are unable to safely care for these children and are at risk of being injured. The objective of this project was to promote evidence-based practices regarding the prevention of aggression in hospitalized pediatric patients in medical-surgical units.
Using the JBI Evidence Implementation framework, this project sought to optimize compliance with best practices for early identification of aggressive behaviors in pediatric inpatient units. Three barriers to best practice were identified after a baseline audit including the lack of an organizational policy to prevent aggressive behavior, the lack of identification of triggers that precipitate aggressive behavior, and the lack of utilization of an aggression prevention care plan. To address these barriers a unit protocol for prevention of aggression, documentation of triggers, and anaggression care plan were implemented.
Continuing education can affect the quality of patient care and outcomes by offering opportunities to improve knowledge. More work is needed at an organizational level to develop a policy, more formal tools, and formal training.
Notes
References:
1. American Nurses Association. End nurse abuse. Available from: https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/work-environment/end-nurse-abuse/
2. Porritt K, McArthur A, Lockwood C, Munn Z (Eds). JBI Handbook for Evidence Implementation. Adelaide: JBI, 2020. Available from: https://implementationmanual.jbi.globalhttps;//doi.org.10.46658/JBIMEI-20-01
3. Stephenson, M. Evidence Summary. Aggression in Hospital and Mental Health Unit: Prevention. The JBI EBP Database. 2022; JBI-ES-138-3.
Sigma Membership
Theta Beta
Lead Author Affiliation
Sigma Theta Tau International, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Type
Presentation
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
Other
Research Approach
Translational Research/Evidence-based Practice
Keywords:
lncivility, Workforce, Pediatrics
Recommended Citation
Riddick, Johnna C., "Preventing Aggression in a Pediatric Inpatient Unit: A Best Practice Implementation Project" (2025). Creating Healthy Work Environments (CHWE). 78.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/chwe/2025/presentations_2025/78
Conference Name
Creating Healthy Work Environments
Conference Host
Sigma Theta Tau International
Conference Location
Phoenix, Arizona, USA
Conference Year
2025
Rights Holder
All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record.
Review Type
Abstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host
Acquisition
Proxy-submission
Preventing Aggression in a Pediatric Inpatient Unit: A Best Practice Implementation Project
Phoenix, Arizona, USA
In pediatric settings, there has been an increase in patients with mental health problems, who experience aggressive and threatening behavior. Without proper policies, education, and means to identify triggers for aggressive behavior, nurses are unable to safely care for these children and are at risk of being injured. The objective of this project was to promote evidence-based practices regarding the prevention of aggression in hospitalized pediatric patients in medical-surgical units.
Using the JBI Evidence Implementation framework, this project sought to optimize compliance with best practices for early identification of aggressive behaviors in pediatric inpatient units. Three barriers to best practice were identified after a baseline audit including the lack of an organizational policy to prevent aggressive behavior, the lack of identification of triggers that precipitate aggressive behavior, and the lack of utilization of an aggression prevention care plan. To address these barriers a unit protocol for prevention of aggression, documentation of triggers, and anaggression care plan were implemented.
Continuing education can affect the quality of patient care and outcomes by offering opportunities to improve knowledge. More work is needed at an organizational level to develop a policy, more formal tools, and formal training.
Description
This project focused on preventing aggression and threatening behaviors in a general pediatric unit that has seen an increase in patients with mental health problems. By utilizing an appropriate care plan, documenting and sharing triggers, and including caregivers in planning, we can create a better work environment.