title: Using the Dynamic Appraisal of Situational Aggression with mental health inpatients: a feasibility study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This paper aims to explore the acceptability of Dynamic Appraisal of Situational Aggression (DASA) from the perspective of patients, its actual use by mental health nurses, and the predictive validity of the DASA instrument.
  
  
  METHODS
  A feasibility study design incorporating quantitative and qualitative components was used. The study was conducted in three mental health inpatient units at three hospitals in southern Finland. Quantitative data were used to explore demand (nurses' actual use of the DASA), limited efficacy (predictive validity), and acceptability (measured through patients' participation in the project). Qualitative data were collected to enhance the understanding of acceptability by describing patients' perceptions of the strengths and weaknesses of the DASA.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Nurses used the DASA for most patient assessments. The predictive validity of the DASA was outstanding or excellent, depending on the type of aggression predicted, although the patient recruitment ratio was low. Patients reported both strengths and weaknesses of the DASA, providing complementary information regarding the instrument's acceptability and clinical application.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The DASA accurately predicts inpatient aggression. The patients' preferences and concerns regarding risk assessment have been noted. More patient involvement in risk assessment research and violence prevention efforts is required.
authors.affiliation: Department of Nursing Science, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.
authors.forename: Tella
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Lantta
authors.affiliation: Department of Nursing Science, University of Turku, Turku, Finland; Helsinki University, Helsinki, Finland; Helsinki University Hospital, Hospital District of Helsinki and Uusimaa, Helsinki, Finland.
authors.forename: Raija
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Kontio
authors.affiliation: Centre for Forensic Behavioural Science (CFBS), Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Daffern
authors.affiliation: Institute of Mental Health, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.
authors.forename: Clive E
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: Adams
authors.affiliation: Department of Nursing Science, University of Turku, Turku, Finland; Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland; School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong.
authors.forename: Maritta
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Välimäki
keywords: multi-method approach; nurses; patient participation; psychiatric hospitals; risk assessment; violence