The aggressive patient experiences of healthcare professionals exposed to physical violence in a psychiatric clinic: A phenomenological study

Abstract

Purpose This study investigated the experiences of healthcare professionals, exposed to physical violence, related to aggressive patients at a psychiatry service. Design and Methods The qualitative study sample consisted of a total of 21 healthcare professionals. The data were collected through in-depth interviews. An inductive qualitative content analysis was used to analyze the data. Findings Three themes, the effects of warning signs of violence, clinical management of violence, and effects of violence, and 13 sub-themes were determined. Practice Implications The effects of physical violence on healthcare professionals can be seen and will contribute to planning in this regard.