Journal article
Reducing aggression in the haemodialysis unit by improving the dialysis experience for patients
Renal Society of Australasia Journal, Vol.7(2), pp.79-89
2011
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Abstract
<p>The haemodialysis nurses at St Georges Hospital chose to address the problem of aggression in the dialysis unit as their 'Models of Care' project. Aggression had been a long-standing problem in the dialysis unit and the nurses perceived that the amount of aggression had increased by felt powerless and unsupported to address this.</p>
<p>Method: Baseline data was collected using: Incident Information Management System (IIMS) data, that is, the online system used by the hospital to report any type of incident; the Aggression Grading Record of Observation (AGRO) score data; process mapping; patient satisfaction surveys; and staff satisfaction surveys. Two simple strategies of standardised communication were implemented for three months: an illustrated flyer outlining realistic waiting times and a system of nurse to patient allocation. After three months the number of aggressive incidents was remeasured and compared with the baseline.</p>
<p>Results: The baseline incidence of aggressive episodes recorded using the AGRO score was found to be between 2% and 8% of all treatments. Common reasons for aggression included: waiting times (52%), mental health issues (17%), environmental issues (11%) and treatment conflicts (11%). After implementing the strategies for three months, data was collected again. The incidence of aggression dropped to less than 2% for the first two weeks and to less than 1% for the last two weeks of data collection.</p>
<p>Conclusion: Through the use of effective, standardised communication it is possible to reduce the incidence of aggressive episodes to <1% of dialysis treatments.</p>
Details
- Title
- Reducing aggression in the haemodialysis unit by improving the dialysis experience for patients
- Creators
- Tania Burns - St George Public Hospital, SydneyAlison Smyth - St George Public Hospital, Sydney
- Publication Details
- Renal Society of Australasia Journal, Vol.7(2), pp.79-89
- Identifiers
- 2206; 991012822296002368
- Academic Unit
- School of Health and Human Sciences
- Resource Type
- Journal article