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Accessible summary Staff and relative perspectives on patient aggression in dementia care units are seriously under researched in the UK., We interviewed a number of nursing staff and relatives in four UK care homes in the North West of England., Using a combined approach of one-to-one interviews (for staff) and focus groups (for relatives) we explored their views as to the reasons for and ways of responding to aggressive behaviour., Using thematic analysis we found similar results from both staff and relatives and as such their views were categorized into two broad areas: causation and management., The results indicated that staff in the participating units embraced a person-centred approach to aggression management. They predominantly respond to aggressive incidents with interpersonal strategies, such as distraction as opposed to medication or restraint., Relatives were clear in their perceptions of aggression as an interpersonal challenge, which is compounded or mediated by the illness of dementia. Consequently they were positive in their views of staff using non-coercive interventions., Abstract Staff and relative perspectives on patient aggression in dementia care units are seriously under researched in the UK. Any work that has been conducted has relied upon quantitative studies. Qualitative research on aggression management in older peoples services are rare. In-depth views that can offer insights into causation and management strategies are therefore under represented in the literature. In order to investigate this issue further we interviewed a number of nursing staff and relatives in four UK care homes in the North West of England. Using a combined approach of one-to-one interviews (for staff) and focus groups (for relatives) we explored their views as to the reasons for and ways of responding to aggressive behaviour. This was part of a larger study reported upon elsewhere. Using thematic analysis we found similar results from both staff and relatives and as such their views were categorized into two broad areas: causation and management. In regards to causation we noted three sub-themes; internal, external and interpersonal factors which are further subdivided in the paper and for management two broad categories: the compassionate approach and 'don't go in strong'. The results indicated that staff in the participating units embraced a person-centred approach to aggression management. They predominantly respond to aggressive incidents with interpersonal strategies, such as distraction as opposed to medication or restraint. Overall they adopt a person centre approach to patient care. Relatives were clear in their perceptions of aggression as an interpersonal challenge, which is compounded or mediated by the illness of dementia. Consequently they were positive in their views of staff using non-coercive interventions. While the results of this and our earlier study are promising suggesting a less invasive approach to this aspect of dementia care, given the limitations of a small sample, more research of a similar nature is warranted. Findings from multidimensional studies can then provide a sounder basis for health and social care education, and person centred informed practice to reduce the incidence of aggression through preventative strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Responding to aggressive behaviour is a key activity for nurses and other care staff in high secure hospitals. The attitudes and beliefs of staff regarding patient aggression will influence the management strategies they adopt. Patients will also hold attitudes regarding the causes of and best ways to respond to aggressive behaviour. This study measured the attitudes towards aggression of staff (n = 109) and patients (n = 27) in a high secure hospital in the UK using the Management of Aggression and Violence Attitude Scale (MAVAS). There was considerable concordance of views, staff and patients disagreeing on only two items on the MAVAS. Aggression was felt to have a range of causes, embracing factors internal to the person, factors in the external environment and situational or interactional factors. Interpersonal means of managing aggression were supported, but both staff and patients also advocated the use of controlling management strategies such as medication, seclusion and restraint. The implications of these findings for aggression management in high secure settings are discussed in the light of best practice guidelines that promote interpersonal approaches over controlling strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aggression is reportedly common among older people with dementia in residential care. The attitudes of staff in care homes and strategies they use are under researched. Theoretical models that may be used to both understand and respond to such behaviour exist. They are the standard and person-centred paradigms. The aim of this study was to explore the views of nursing staff about aggressive behaviour in people with dementia and strategies used in practice. A survey of the attitudes of staff in six dementia care units using the Management of Aggression in People with Dementia Attitude Questionnaire was conducted including an audit of aggressive incidents using the Staff Observation Aggression Scale -- Revised over a 3-month period. Staff expressed views reflective of a person-centred as opposed to standard paradigm. They viewed aggressive behaviour by people with dementia as deriving from the environment, situation or interactions with others. Participants strongly supported interpersonal means of responding to aggression, the moderate use of medication, and were largely opposed to physical restraint. Aggressive incidents were managed using less intrusive strategies such as distraction and de-escalation. Responses to aggressive behaviour, while pragmatic, were largely underpinned by a person-centred ethic as reflected in the attitudes expressed by staff. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AIM: This paper is a report of a study to determine the transferability of the Management of Aggression and Violence Attitude Scale to European mental health inpatient settings. BACKGROUND: Incidents of patient aggression and violence are common in psychiatric in-patient facilities, and nurses' attitudes may play a part in how they are managed. METHODS: Nursing staff from acute psychiatric in-patient units in Switzerland and the United Kingdom completed the Management of Aggression and Violence Attitude Scale. Data were collected in the UK in 2001 and Switzerland in 2003. The Swiss sample comprised 75 respondents: 45 female, mean age 36.24, mean experience 7.35 years, 60 Registered Nurses. The United Kingdom sample was 75 respondents: 58 female, mean age 32, mean experience 5.25 years, 48 Registered Nurses. T-tests identified differences between the groups in their responses to each Management of Aggression and Violence Attitude Scale statement. RESULTS: There was 66% concordance of views between the groups. Swiss nurses were, however, more likely to regard factors internal to the patient as contributory to aggression while United Kingdom nurses perceived environmental factors to be more important. Both groups endorsed physical means of aggression management, Swiss nurses more so. CONCLUSION: There are both commonalities and differences between the attitudes of Swiss and United Kingdom nursing staff regarding patient aggression. Differences may relate to rates of aggression, variations in management approaches, training and policy. The Management of Aggression and Violence Attitude Scale is a potentially effective tool for making comparisons about perspectives on patient aggression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]