The purpose of this studywas to compare the occurrences of coercive interventions
and violence-related staff injuries before and after a 2-year violence prevention
intervention on a psychiatric intensive care unit. The intervention
aimed to improve nursing care by addressing patient violence from multiple
perspectives. During the study, the unit was reorganized toward a higher concentration
of severely disturbed patients.The results showed an increased proportion
of coercive interventions without a corresponding increase in staff
injuries. Use of coercive interventions is discussed in relation to a safe environment
for both patients and staff