March Advisory Recommends Violence Prevention Training for ED Staff

A comprehensive violence prevention program is essential to promote a safe environment for patient care in the emergency department (ED), states a March 2011 Pennsylvania Patient Safety Advisory article. In June 2011, the Pennsylvania Patient Safety Authority surveyed violence protection practices in Pennsylvania acute care hospitals. The survey was based on current best practices, including the guidelines of the International Association for Healthcare Security and Safety and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The survey’s results indicated opportunities for improving violence protection practices in the ED.