Assault rates and implementation of a workplace violence prevention program in the Veterans Health Care Administration.

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between changes in assault rates over time and the implementation of a workplace violence prevention (WVP) program in 138 Department of Veterans Affairs health care facilities. Data on WVP implementation were assessed for each facility by a three-person team. We computed three WVP dimension scores: training, workplace practices, and environmental control and security. We obtained 6 years of assault rate data from the national injury system. Using a linear mixed model, we analyzed whether the WVP implementation was associated with lower assault rates controlling for time and organizational characteristics. Training implementation was negatively associated with assault rates. Facilities with smaller bed sizes and without academic affiliates had lower assault rates. Particular attention should be given to these dimensions because they may be associated with lower facility-level assault rates.