A staff self-reported retrospective survey of assaults on a psychiatric intensive care ward and attitudes towards assaults

Abstract Introduction Assaults on staff on psychiatric intensive care wards are unfortunately common and have a negative impact on morale. Method Staff on one PICU completed a survey providing an account of any assaults they had experienced over the previous year and a separate survey regarding attitudes towards assaults. Results 65% of staff members reported having being assaulted over the year. Most did not take any time off work. Attitudes towards prosecution of patients varied. Staff valued training in this area. Conclusions Assaults are common on a PICU and staff are ambivalent about prosecuting patients. More training may be of value regarding prediction of assaults, and about the criminal justice interface.