A national survey of violence experienced by community mental health researchers.
BACKGROUND
In recent years there has been a vigorous debate concerning the relationship between violence and mental illness. Psychiatric hospital staff are especially likely to experience violence. 'Detached staff' working in the community appear to be at greatest risk. The present study examines reported aggression towards field-based community mental health researchers (CMHRs). It aimed to investigate the nature and extent of violence experienced by CMHRs, to establish which CMHR characteristics act as precipitators of violent incidents and to identify training needs.


METHODS
This national survey, conducted between December 1997 and March 1998 at the Department of Mental Health, University of Exeter, used a postal questionnaire circulated among CMHRs working in England, Scotland and Wales.


RESULTS
Whilst this study did not achieve comprehensive coverage of all eligible CMHRs, it indicates that, even allowing for response bias, occupational violence is not uncommon among CMHRs: 51% (n = 33) ever experienced at least one verbally violent incident, 9% (n = 6) a mildly violent incident and 2% (n = 1) a severely violent incident. In the 12 months preceding the study, 45% of CMHRs (n = 29) had experienced at least one verbally violent incident and 8% (n = 5) a mildly violent incident. Male CMHRs are more likely (P < 0.05) to experience violence than their female counterparts.


CONCLUSIONS
The findings indicate a need to improve existing safety training, procedures and awareness among this occupational group. Additional comparative research among other community-based groups is, however, required.
Powell
R A
RA
Department of Mental Health, School of Postgraduate Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Exeter, Wonford House Hospital, UK.
Lloyd
K R
KR
D000328:Adult; D003156:Community Mental Health Services; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016272:Occupational Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011159:Population Surveillance; D015995:Prevalence; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012494:Sampling Studies; D012947:Social Work; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology; D014754:Violence / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000078329:Workforce