Accreditation Organization Issues Advisory on De-escalating Patient Aggression

Though the Joint Commission acknowledges that there is no single model that has proven to be completely effective, it offers tactics that can help increase communication and maintain the safety of staff and patients.

 

Interventions for defusing aggression include engaging in risk assessments for early intervention, implementing environmental controls such as minimizing loud conversations, calmly responding to patients’ requests to foster a sense of trust, as well as setting clear limits with patients. 

 

There also needs to be a commitment from senior management, according to the Joint Commission, which should include giving staff adequate training and resources.

 

To read the “Quick Safety” advisory, click here.