Survey on violence and aggression prevention and management strategies in European renal units.
OBJECTIVE
This descriptive survey aims to explore strategies for the prevention and management of violence and aggression in renal units in 12 European countries.


METHODS
The convenience sample consisting of dialysis, nephrological and transplantation units in European countries was used. A questionnaire, developed with the collaboration of National Associations, was used. Data were analysed using STATA software. A preliminary descriptive variable analysis was performed followed by a verification of the association between variables; values of p < 0.002 were considered statistically significant.


RESULTS
A total of 436 completed questionnaires were received (participation rate: 22%). Written policies and procedures regarding violence and aggression are present in 18% of units. Educational strategies are available in less than 20% of units. Incidents are prevented by security staff (48%) or pharmacological treatment (66%). Incident reporting is mandatory for any violent and aggressive behaviour in 66% of units. There are differences between European countries.


CONCLUSIONS
Violence and aggression prevention and management strategies are not widely implemented throughout Europe. The dissemination of information on the prevention and management of violence and aggression is vital.
Zampieron
Alessandra
A
School of Nursing, Padua University Hospital, Italy. alessandra.zampieron@unipd.it
Saraiva
Maria
M
Pranovi
Rebecca
R
Laskari
Anastasia
A
Buja
Alessandra
A
D000374:Aggression; D005060:Europe; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006436:Hemodialysis Units, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration; D016304:Hospitals, Private; D006779:Hospitals, Public; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D007318:Inservice Training; D016134:Organizational Policy; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D017582:Renal Replacement Therapy; D012308:Risk Management / Q000379:methods*; D014754:Violence / Q000517:prevention & control*; D017132:Workplace