title: Breakaway technique training as a means of increasing confidence in managing aggression in neuroscience nursing.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The objective of this paper was to evaluate breakaway technique training with neuroscience nursing staff as a measure of increased confidence and safety in managing aggression.
  
  
  METHODS
  A quasi experimental design was used in a sample of neuroscience nursing staff (n=31), participating in 2×1h breakaway technique workshops. The workshops consisted of supervised skills training in safe breakaway techniques. A pre- and postintervention-matched questionnaire measuring confidence and safety around managing aggressive patients, and exposure to and confidence in dealing with breakaways, was self administered.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Statistically significant increases in confidence and safety in working with aggressive patients, and confidence levels for safe breakaways were reported. Qualitative comments demonstrated a desire for ongoing skills workshops.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study provides early evidence of the importance of incorporating breakaway training into existing training programs which aim to minimise and manage aggression and violence in generalist settings.
authors.affiliation: Mental Health Liaison Nursing, Prince of Wales Hospital, Barker St, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia. scott.brunero@sesiahs.health.nsw.gov.au
authors.forename: Scott
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lamont
authors.forename: Scott
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Brunero
authors.forename: Alanah
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bailey
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Woods
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000374:Aggression; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007318:Inservice Training; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009488:Neurosciences; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000193:education*; D020377:Self Efficacy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult