Introduction
The problem of violent behavior in psychiatric departments is relevant and poses a threat to the safety of patients and medical staff. Since the nurse’s task is to ensure patients’ safety, an intervention is proposed to introduce the security guards to the hospital in question. To ensure that the proposed intervention does not disturb the peace and comfort of patients, it is necessary to apply nursing skills, use evidence-based change, and put Lewin’s Change Theory into practice.
The evidence-based approach requires a clear justification for changes based on evidence that they are needed. According to a study by Fazel et al. (2023), interpatient violence in psychiatric clinics is an identified problem that requires a clear separation of risk factors based on patient behavior. Researchers Lu et al. (2019) found both verbal and physical violence against nurses from patients over 80%. The similarity of the sources is that both can be used as clear justification for evidence-based change, despite their difference in the concentration on violence against patients or violence against nurses.
Application of Lewin’s Theory of Change
For the best patient adaptation, a phased change model is proposed. Lewin’s Theory of Change provides the most suitable approach, which assumes a three-stage intervention: unfreeze, change, and freeze (Asirifi et al., 2022). The first step in security implementation will be an open dialogue with patients and staff to explain the need for such intervention. Using the basic nursing leadership principle, which is to act for the benefit of patients, it will be possible to prepare people for mental change.
The second step is directly introducing trained guards to address the problem in a specific hospital. The third step is adapting to change, during which nursing leadership skills must be applied. The primary skill will be effective communication, first of all, with patients. It is necessary to address their fears and concerns to reduce discomfort. In addition, during this process, active listening will be applied, possibly adapting the plan to the needs of patients.
The plan to introduce security into the psychiatric department is a complex but necessary step. This plan applies to nursing practice because it works for the benefit of staff and patients. The nursing process focuses on providing the best possible care, which will be improved by introducing additional patient safety insurance. The reason for the importance of this plan is the need to keep everyone in the clinic safe to achieve the basic principles of health care.
For my clinical partners who may have already experienced patient abuse, the need is justified. As far as my peers are concerned, the need for patient safety calls for more research into ways to reduce violence in psychiatric wards. As a future nurse, I know the importance of security guarantees for my patients, so I see the introduction of security as the only correct and timely step.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the evidence supports the severity of the problem of violence in psychiatric departments. Both staff and patients can suffer from verbal and physical aggression. Guided by the evidence, Levin’s Theory of Change, and the basic principles of nursing practice, it is proposed that security guards be implemented in psychiatric hospitals. To make the change process comfortable and smooth, it is necessary to give employees and patients time to adapt. The primary nursing strategy is effective communication to resolve patients’ discomfort promptly.
References
Asirifi, M. A., Ogilvie, L., Barton, S., Bilash, O., Stobart, K., Aniteye, P., & Aziato, L. (2022). Reflections on change theory and community-based participatory action research: Congruent, similar or different? Journal of Nursing Education and Practice, 12(3), 11-21. Web.
Fazel, S., Toynbee, M., Ryland, H., Vazquez-Montes, M., Al-Taiar, H., Wolf, A., & Fanshawe, T. (2023). Modifiable risk factors for inpatient violence in psychiatric hospital: prospective study and prediction model. Psychological Medicine, 53(2), 590-596. Web.
Lu, L., Lok, K. I., Zhang, L., Hu, A., Ungvari, G. S., Bressington, D. T., & Xiang, Y. T. (2019). Prevalence of verbal and physical workplace violence against nurses in psychiatric hospitals in China. Archives of Psychiatric Nursing, 33(5), 68-72. Web.