Interventions following a high violence risk assessment score: a naturalistic study on a Finnish psychiatric admission ward

Predicting aggressive behavior in psychiatric patients in emergency department: A systematic literature review

INTRODUCTION

Aggression and violence are major concerns in emergency departments (EDs), and have negative consequences for patient and staff health and safety. Few validated tools exist for identifying patients at risk of agitation. This study conducted a systematic literature review to identify and summarize the scores that predict aggressive behavior in EDs.

METHODS

The search included articles published between Jan 1st, 1987, and Dec 31st, 2022, using the terms "aggress*," "violent*," "emergency," "acute," "score," or "scale."

RESULTS

Ten scores were found to be relevant, with eight of the developed scores intended for use in EDs. The Aggressive Behavior Risk Assessment Tool (ABRAT) was found to be sensitive (84.3%) and specific (95.3%). The Brøset Violence Checklist (BVC) was highly specific (99.4%), whereas the Violence Screening Checklist (VSC) was less sensitive (57.2%) and specific (45.7%). The violence and aggression (OVA)/BVC checklist was found to significantly decrease the number of security call activations (P < 0.001). The Behavioral Activity Rating Scale (BARS) and OVA/BVC scores were the shortest, with seven and six items, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The OVA/BVC checklist is a valuable tool for predicting and preventing violence in the EDs. Future prospective studies should investigate its effectiveness.

Risk assessment for aggressive behaviour in schizophrenia

BACKGROUND

Aggressive or violent behaviour is often associated with people with schizophrenia in common perceptions of the disease. Risk assessment methods have been used to identify and evaluate the behaviour of those individuals who are at the greatest risk of perpetrating aggression or violence or characterise the likelihood to commit acts. Although many different interventions have been developed to decrease aggressive or violent incidences in inpatient care, staff working in inpatient settings seek easy-to-use methods to decrease patient aggressive events. However, many of these are time-consuming, and they require intensive training for staff and patient monitoring. It has also been recognised in clinical practice that if staff monitor patients' behaviour in a structured manner, the monitoring itself may result in a reduction of aggressive/violent behaviour and incidents in psychiatric settings.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of structured aggression or violence risk assessment methods for people with schizophrenia or schizophrenia-like illnesses.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Schizophrenia Group's Study-Based Register of Trials, which is based on CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, PubMed, ISRCTN registry, ClinicalTrials.gov, and WHO ICTRP, on 10 February 2021. We also inspected references of all identified studies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included all randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing structured risk assessment methods added to standard professional care with standard professional care for the evaluation of aggressive or violent behaviour among people with schizophrenia.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

At least two review authors independently inspected citations, selected studies, extracted data, and appraised study quality. For binary outcomes, we calculated a standard estimation of the risk ratio (RR) and its 95% confidence interval (CI). For continuous outcomes, we calculated the mean difference (MD) and its 95% CI. We assessed risk of bias in the included studies and created a summary of findings table using the GRADE approach.

MAIN RESULTS

We included four studies in the review. The total number of participants was not identifiable, as some studies provided number of participants included, and some only patient days. The studies compared a package of structured assessment methods with a control group that included routine nursing care and drug therapy or unstructured psychiatric observations/treatment based on clinical judgement. In two studies, information about treatment in control care was not available. One study reported results for our primary outcome, clinically important change in aggressive/violent behaviour, measured by the rate of severe aggression events. There was likely a positive effect favouring structured risk assessment over standard professional care (RR 0.59, 95% CI 0.41 to 0.85; 1 RCT; 1852 participants; corrected for cluster design: RR 0.59, 95% CI 0.37 to 0.93; moderate-certainty evidence). One trial reported data for the use of coercive measures (seclusion room). Compared to standard professional care, structured risk assessment may have little or no effect on use of seclusion room as days (corrected for cluster design: RR 0.92, 95% CI 0.27 to 3.07; N = 20; low-certainty evidence) or use of seclusion room as secluded participants (RR 1.83, 95% CI 0.39 to 8.7; 1 RCT; N = 20; low-certainty evidence). However, seclusion room may be used less frequently in the standard professional care group compared to the structured risk assessment group (incidence) (corrected for cluster design: RR 1.63, 95% CI 0.49 to 5.47; 1 RCT; N = 20; substantial heterogeneity, Chi2 = 0.0; df = 0.0; P = 0.0; I2 = 100%; low-certainty evidence). There was no evidence of a clear effect on adverse events of escape (RR 0.2, 95% CI 0.01 to 4.11; 1 RCT; n = 200; very low-certainty evidence); fall down (RR 0.33, 95% CI 0.04 to 3.15; 1 RCT; n = 200; very low-certainty evidence); or choking (RR 0.2, 95% CI 0.01 to 4.11; 1 RCT; n = 200; very low-certainty evidence) when comparing structured risk assessment to standard professional care. There were no useable data for patient-related outcomes such as global state, acceptance of treatment, satisfaction with treatment, quality of life, service use, or costs.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Based on the available evidence, it is not possible to conclude that structured aggression or violence risk assessment methods are effective for people with schizophrenia or schizophrenia-like illnesses. Future work should combine the use of interventions and structured risk assessment methods to prevent aggressive incidents in psychiatric inpatient settings.

Intervening factors between risk of violence and aggressive behaviours among forensic inpatients: a scoping review

BACKGROUND

Risk of violence is closely associated with aggression propensity. However, there is a lack of research to explain the mechanisms behind this association, especially among the patients of forensic secure facilities. This review aimed to identify and synthesize the available literature concerning the intervening factors (mediating or moderating factors) in the relationship between the risk of violence and aggressive behavior in forensic secure facilities.

METHODS

Two electronic academic databases were searched: Scopus and Web of Science (WoS) using specific keywords as search terms derived from the PCC framework with no specific time limit. The search strategy was developed based on the JBI Manual for Evidence Synthesis and utilised the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Data on the risk of violence, intervening factors, and aggressive behavior were extracted from the included studies. Further analysis was performed whereby similar data were grouped and synthesised together.

RESULTS

The initial search produced 342 studies. However, only nine studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The nine studies included 1,068 adult forensic inpatients from various psychiatric hospitals. Only mediation studies reported significant mechanisms of influence between the risk of violence and aggressive behavior. It is postulated that the human agency factor may be the underlying factor that influences a person's functioning and the subsequent series of events between the risk of violence and aggression.

CONCLUSIONS

In light of the paucity of evidence in this area, a generalised conclusion cannot be established. More studies are warranted to address the gaps before conclusive recommendations can be proposed to the relevant stakeholders.

Screening for Behavioral Health Patient Aggression in Emergency Departments to Reduce Workplace Violence

INTRODUCTION

Patient violence in health care facilities occurs daily. Structured risk assessments, when regularly completed, have been effective in prompting interventions to reduce aggression in Behavioral Health (BH) settings.

METHODS

This quasi-experimental study evaluated the effectiveness of the Dynamic Appraisal of Situational Aggression - Inpatient Version (DASA) validated screening tool to reduce aggressive outbursts in an emergency department (ED) setting with BH patients awaiting transfer to a psychiatric facility. The tool was used in 4 non-psychiatric EDs from a large health care system. Chart audits were completed to record initial patient DASA scores observed at triage and at subsequent intervals during the ED encounter. ED staff documented interventions used for patients. Inclusion criteria included adults 21 years and older following a telepsychiatry consultation with a recommendation for BH inpatient admission. Pre-/post-implementation aggressive events were collected to assess ED DASA use. DASA scores from BH ED patients were examined to increase understanding of patient utilization. Staff workplace safety was examined to compare staff safety perception pre- and post-DASA implementation.

RESULTS

Violent events were reported statistically significantly higher post-DASA implementation. There was an increased risk of elevated DASA scores for specific diagnoses and genders. An increased awareness of the importance of reporting workplace violence improved documentation.

DISCUSSION

Using an evidence-based screening tool helped identify BH patients with behaviors associated with aggressive ED events. Proactive use of interventions, including use of Comfort Cart items, de-escalation, and prescribed medications, can positively influence reduction of risk from aggressive behaviors within BH patient populations in EDs.

Implementation of the dynamic appraisal of situational aggression in inpatient mental health

PURPOSE

To implement structured violence risk assessment (VRA) using the Dynamic Appraisal of Situational Aggression (DASA) on a 25-bed, adult, inpatient psychiatric unit.

DESIGN AND METHODS

Inpatient DASA screening for 13 weeks with nursing communication orders (NCOs) to highlight patients at high risk for violence. Pre/posttests measured registered nurse (RN) knowledge and perceptions of the DASA.

FINDINGS

DASA completion rate equaled 81.8% with an NCO issue rate of only 32.8%. RN perceptions of the DASA were positive, and knowledge of structured violence risk assessment increased.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Structured violence risk assessment with the DASA is feasible and well-accepted on psychiatric units.

Conceptual framework for a comprehensive competence in managing challenging behaviour: The views of trained instructors

WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: There is body of knowledge available about the harms associated with restrictive interventions used in behaviour management, service users' perceptions of the use of restraints, and staff competence in behaviour management. The staff perspective has been studied in terms of staff exposure, responses to and prevention of aggression, staff-related factors associated with service user aggression, and staff attitudes and perceptions towards violence. The definitions of competence in behaviour management provided in training interventions are fragmented and based on unilateral measurements. Training interventions with the purpose of enhancing staff competence in behaviour management are organized regularly, yet there is a lack of clarity on how effective these interventions are. Inadequate conceptual understanding of behaviour management can weaken the effectiveness of these interventions. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: Our study produced new knowledge by providing a preliminary conceptual framework that can be used to comprehensively describe and assess competence in managing challenging behaviour and to cover safely the whole care process. Humane care and ethical sensitivity should be the premises of interaction with people in distress. We also pointed out the needs for conceptual clarification of the concepts of confidence, support and restraint. We provide important new insight into the leadership and cultural issues of behaviour management that is relevant for patients, staff members and healthcare organizations. We found that staff members do not consider service user safety and workplace safety as opposing issues. Further, we provide new perspectives for prevention, the risk assessment process and effective communication in the context of behaviour management. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: A comprehensive understanding of the competences related to behaviour management will foster universal definitions for "support" and "restraint," which can then be used to ensure that the best practices are used for behaviour management. Organizational culture and participative leadership on behaviour management should be developed with a special focus on safety issues, common understanding of comprehensive competence, risk assessment and prevention, views regarding the use of restraints, and teamwork. ABSTRACT: Introduction Previous research concerning staff views of behaviour management has not considered instructors' views. The definitions of competence in behaviour management are fragmented, which can undermine the effectiveness of training interventions. Aim/Question This study aimed to describe Finnish and British Management of Actual or Potential Aggression instructors' perceptions of safety and behaviour management-related competences and create a conceptual framework for comprehensive competence. Method An explorative-descriptive qualitative approach with purposive sampling (N = 22), semi-structured interviews and abductive content analysis. Results Conceptual framework of comprehensive competence in managing challenging behaviour includes five categories-knowledge, skills, attitude, confidence and ethical sensitivity-and 21 subcategories. Competent staff and supportive leadership ensured safety, while inconsistent risk management culture, the health and behaviour of service users, and inadequate staff orientation endangered safety. Discussion The study produced new knowledge of safety issues and competences from the perspective of the instructors who deliver behaviour management training. Implications for practice Competence to manage challenging behaviour should be developed based on our conceptual framework to provide an effective and safe training. Prevention, the risk assessment process, alternative communication, and the definitions of "confidence," "support" and "restraint" should all be sufficiently addressed in future training.

A tool to evaluate proportionality and necessity in the use of restrictive practices in forensic mental health settings: the DRILL tool (Dundrum restriction, intrusion and liberty ladders)

BACKGROUND

Prevention of violence due to severe mental disorders in psychiatric hospitals may require intrusive, restrictive and coercive therapeutic practices. Research concerning appropriate use of such interventions is limited by lack of a system for description and measurement. We set out to devise and validate a tool for clinicians and secure hospitals to assess necessity and proportionality between imminent violence and restrictive practices including de-escalation, seclusion, restraint, forced medication and others.

METHODS

In this retrospective observational cohort study, 28 patients on a 12 bed male admissions unit in a secure psychiatric hospital were assessed daily for six months. Data on adverse incidents were collected from case notes, incident registers and legal registers. Using the functional assessment sequence of antecedents, behaviours and consequences (A, B, C) we devised and applied a multivariate framework of structured professional assessment tools, common adverse incidents and preventive clinical interventions to develop a tool to analyse clinical practice. We validated by testing assumptions regarding the use of restrictive and intrusive practices in the prevention of violence in hospital. We aimed to provide a system for measuring contextual and individual factors contributing to adverse events and to assess whether the measured seriousness of threating and violent behaviours is proportionate to the degree of restrictive interventions used. General Estimating Equations tested preliminary models of contexts, decisions and pathways to interventions.

RESULTS

A system for measuring adverse behaviours and restrictive, intrusive interventions for prevention had good internal consistency. Interventions were proportionate to seriousness of harmful behaviours. A 'Pareto' group of patients (5/28) were responsible for the majority (80%) of adverse events, outcomes and interventions. The seriousness of the precipitating events correlated with the degree of restrictions utilised to safely manage or treat such behaviours.

CONCLUSION

Observational scales can be used for restrictive, intrusive or coercive practices in psychiatry even though these involve interrelated complex sequences of interactions. The DRILL tool has been validated to assess the necessity and demonstrate proportionality of restrictive practices. This tool will be of benefit to services when reviewing practices internally, for mandatory external reviewing bodies and for future clinical research paradigms.

Patient safety and staff competence in managing challenging behavior based on feedback from former psychiatric patients

PURPOSE

This study aimed to describe the perceptions and lived experiences of former psychiatric patients of their own and/or co-patients' behavior that nursing staff has regarded as challenging and that has resulted in behavior management.

DESIGN AND METHODS

An explorative-descriptive qualitative design with video vignettes, semistructured interviews, and abductive content analysis.

FINDINGS

Many reasons for different kinds of patient behavior that were considered challenging by staff were identified. Delivering care based on patients' needs was identified as core staff competence.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Findings can be utilized when pursuing restraint reduction in psychiatric care by enhancing staff competence.

Alternatives to the Use of Mechanical Restraints in the Management of Agitation or Aggressions of Psychiatric Patients: A Scoping Review

Coercive measures are a highly controversial issue in mental health. Although scientific evidence on their impact is limited, they are frequently used. Furthermore, they lead to a high number of ethical, legal, and clinical repercussions on both patients, and professionals and institutions. This review aims to assess the impact of the main alternative measures to prevent or limit the use of coercive measures with restraints in the management of agitated psychiatric patients. The research was conducted following the guidelines recommended by PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) in Medline, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Web of Science, PsycInfo, LILACS, and Health Database of records between 2015 and 2020. After a critical reading, 21 valid articles were included. Both simple interventions and complex restraint programs were evaluated. Training in de-escalation techniques, risk assessment, and implementation of the “six core strategies” or “Safewards” program were the most assessed and effective interventions to reduce aggressive behaviors and the use of coercive measures. According to the revised literature, it is possible to reduce the use of restraints and coercive measures and not increase the number of incidents and violent behaviors among the patients through a non-invasive and non-pharmacological approach. However, further research and further randomized clinical trials are needed to compare the different alternatives and provide higher quality evidence.

Seclusion: A Patient Perspective

The appropriate treatment of mentally unwell, aggressive patients has challenged psychiatry for centuries. Seclusion is practiced worldwide, but concerns remain regarding its appropriateness and lack of alternatives. Patients generally report seclusion as a negative experience, though there is a paucity of literature exploring this in detail. This investigation was a service evaluation appraising inpatients' perspective of processes occurring before (information, communication), during (review, care), and after (debrief, reflection) seclusion in a psychiatric intensive care unit (PICU). In this phenomenological study, qualitative data were gathered using a questionnaire in a structured interview. All patients had been nursed in seclusion during admission to a male PICU at South London and the Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust. Ten patients were interviewed over 4 months. The central theme was perceived lack of communication in the patient-professional relationship, which manifested itself as (i) violence against patients, (ii) lack of psychological support, and (iii) the need for alternatives. Such feedback from patients queries whether national guidelines are appropriate and/or being adhered to. Healthcare practitioners have a responsibility to challenge accepted practice to continually improve the standard of patient-centred care. Utilising patient perspectives can be a powerful driver of change towards more humane treatment of vulnerable patients.

Experiences of Psychiatric Nurses Who Care for Patients with Physical and Psychological Violence: A Phenomenological Study

Introduction: The present study aims to understand the experiences and characteristics of nurses caring for patients with mental disorders characterized by aggressive behavior. Aim: The study aimed to understand and interpret the physical and psychological experiences and positive and negative aspects associated with nursing practices of patients with anger and aggressive behavior. Method: The participants of this study were twelve nurses with over three years of experience working in a mental hospital. More specifically, all our participants had experience caring for psychiatric patients with anger and aggressive behavior. The collected data were analyzed using the phenomenological analysis method and the procedure proposed by Colaizzi (1978). Result: The nurses’ experience was described in five categories: “fear of violence”, “exposure to a poor working environment”, “difficulty of emotional control”, “career regrets”, and “finding a solution to violence.” Discussion: The hospital should encourage and provide training sessions to teach nurses how to use proper intervention technique regarding medication and seclusion. Implications: The results of the present study suggest the need for ongoing hospital support and program development, intervention studies, and improvement of the work environment to resolve the burden of mental and physical difficulties experienced by psychiatric nurses.

International research into 22 years of use of chemical restraint: An evidence overview

BACKGROUND

Chemical restraint (CR) (also known as rapid tranquilisation) is the forced (non-consenting) administration of medications to manage uncontrolled aggression, anxiety, or violence in people who are likely to cause harm to themselves or others. Our population of interest was adults with mental health disorders (with/without substance abuse). There has been a growing international movement over the past 22 years towards reducing/eliminating restrictive practices such as CR. It is appropriate to summarise the research that has been published over this time, identify trends and gaps in knowledge, and highlight areas for new research to inform practice.

AIMS

To undertake a comprehensive systematic search to identify, and describe, the volume and nature of primary international research into CR published since 1995.

METHODS

This paper reports the processes and overall findings of a systematic search for all available primary research on CR published between 1 January 1996 and 31 July 2018. It describes the current evidence base by hierarchy of evidence, country (ies) producing the research, CR definitions, study purpose, and outcome measures.

RESULTS

This review identified 311 relevant primary studies (21 RCTs; 46 non-controlled experimental or prospective observational studies; 77 cross-sectional studies; 69 retrospective studies; 67 opinion pieces, position or policy statements; and 31 qualitative studies). The USA, UK, and Australia contributed over half the research, whilst cross-country collaborations comprised 6% of it. The most common research settings comprised acute psychiatric wards (23.3%), general psychiatric wards (21.6%), and general hospital emergency departments (19.0%).

DISCUSSION

A key lesson learnt whilst compiling this database of research into CR was to ensure that all papers described non-consenting administration of medications to manage adults with uncontrolled aggression, anxiety, or violence. There were tensions in the literature between using effective CR without producing adverse events, and how to decide when CR was needed (compared with choosing non-chemical intervention for behavioural emergencies), respecting patients' dignity whilst safeguarding their safety, and preserving safe workplaces for staff, and care environments for other patients. The range of outcome measures suggests opportunities to standardise future research.

Violence and aggression in psychiatric inpatient care in Sweden: a critical incident technique analysis of staff descriptions

BACKGROUND

Violence towards staff working in psychiatric inpatient care is a serious problem. The aim of the present study was to explore staff perspectives of serious violent incidents involving psychiatric inpatients through the following research questions: Which factors contributed to violent incidents, according to staff? How do staff describe their actions and experiences during and after violent incidents?

METHODS

We collected data via a questionnaire with open-ended questions, and captured 283 incidents reported by 181 staff members from 10 inpatient psychiatric wards in four different regions. We used the Critical Incident Technique to analyse the material. Our structural analysis started by structuring extracts from the critical incidents into descriptions, which were grouped into three chronological units of analyses: before the incident, during the incident and after the incident. Thereafter, we categorised all descriptions into subcategories, categories and main areas.

RESULTS

Staff members often attributed aggression and violence to internal patient factors rather than situational/relational or organisational factors. The descriptions of violent acts included verbal threats, serious assault and death threats. In addition to coercive measures and removal of patients from the ward, staff often dealt with these incidents using other active measures rather than passive defence or de-escalation. The main effects of violent incidents on staff were psychological and emotional. After violent incidents, staff had to continue caring for patients, and colleagues provided support. Support from managers was reported more rarely and staff expressed some dissatisfaction with the management.

CONCLUSIONS

As a primary prevention effort, it is important to raise awareness that external factors (organisational, situational and relational) are important causes of violence and may be easier to modify than internal patient factors. A secondary prevention approach could be to improve staff competence in the use of de-escalation techniques. An important tertiary prevention measure would be for management to follow up with staff regularly after violent incidents and to increase psychological support in such situations.

Occupational burnout in nurses: a concept analysis†

Objective

This paper aims to clarify the concept of occupational burnout (OB) as well as develop appropriate methods to relieve or prevent OB in the nursing profession.

Methods

Walker and Avant’s eight-step approach of concept analysis was applied.

Results

OB was defined as a chronic form of work-related stress. Accurately, it was characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization/cynicism, and reduced personal accomplishment/inefficacy. Antecedents of burnout included (a) demographic characteristics; (b) chronic exposure to work-related stressors; (c) quantitative and qualitative job demands; (d) lack of job resources; and (e) personality traits. Consequences involved (a) individual’s unfavorable quality of life; (b) negative impact on the organization; and (c) poor services quality. Although the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) is perceived as an ideal tool to measure burnout and hence, it is used worldwide, whether this instrument fits to measure this concept for nurses has still not yet been verified and thus further research is needed.

Conclusions

By proposing a comprehensive definition of the concept, this analysis contributes to recognition of the process of OB of nurses. All nurses are vulnerable to OB. Hence, burnout in nursing needs to be recognized as a critical factor in the delivery of safe patient care. It proposes that the prevention of OB would be achieved through team communication training, mindfulness group, education, etc.

Using interventions to reduce seclusion and mechanical restraint use in adult psychiatric units: an integrative review

The aim of this integrative review was to describe interventions aimed at reducing seclusion and mechanical restraint use in adult psychiatric inpatient units and their possible outcomes. CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO and Medic databases were searched for studies published between 2008 and 2017. Based on electronic and manual searches, 28 studies were included, and quality appraisal was carried out. Data were analysed using inductive content analysis. Interventions to proactively address seclusion were environmental interventions, staff training, treatment planning, use of information and risk assessment. Interventions to respond to seclusion risk were patient involvement, family involvement, meaningful activities, sensory modulation and interventions to manage patient agitation. Interventions to proactively address mechanical restraint were mechanical restraint regulations, a therapeutic atmosphere, staff training, treatment planning and review of mechanical restraint risks. Interventions to respond to mechanical restraint risks included patient involvement, therapeutic activities, sensory modulation and interventions to manage agitation. Outcomes related to both seclusion and mechanical restraint reduction interventions were varied, with several interventions resulting in both reduced and unchanged or increased use. Outcomes were also reported for combinations of several interventions in the form of reduction programmes for both seclusion and mechanical restraint. Much of the research focused on implementing several interventions simultaneously, making it difficult to distinguish outcomes. Further research is suggested on the effectiveness of interventions and the contexts they are implemented in.

Adherence to planned risk management interventions in Swedish forensic care: What is said and done according to patient records

Both structured and unstructured clinical risk assessments within forensic care aim to prevent violence by informing risk management, but research about their preventive role is inconclusive. The aim of this study was to investigate risk management interventions that were planned and realized during forensic care by analysing patient records. Records from a forensic clinic in Sweden, covering 14 patients and 526 months, were reviewed. Eight main types of risk management interventions were evaluated by content analysis: monitoring, supervision, assessment, treatment, victim protection, acute coercion, security level and police interventions. Most planned risk management interventions were realized, both in structured and clinical risk assessments. However, most realized interventions were not planned, making them more open to subjective decisions. Analysing risk management interventions actually planned and realized in clinical settings can reveal the preventive role of structured risk assessments and how different interventions mediate violence risk.