Dissertation
Post-Incident Debriefing Over Management of Aggressive Behavior (MOAB) Skills to Reduce Injury from Patient Assaults
University of Iowa
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), University of Iowa
Spring 2025
Abstract
Violence against healthcare workers has surged since the COVID-19 pandemic, with nurses at the highest risk five times more likely to be injured than workers in other industries. Most incidents are caused by patients, escalating during crises. Consequences include mental health issues, reduced job satisfaction, and even death. Violence also burdens healthcare systems with turnover, absences, and increased costs. Management of Aggressive Behavior (MOAB) training teaches staff to de-escalate violence using simulation and self-defense. Post-incident debriefing enhances reflection and knowledge retention.PurposeThis project aimed to evaluate whether post-incident debriefing focused on MOAB skills reduced staff injuries from patient assaults. The primary objective was a reduction in physical assaults on nursing staff following debriefing. Secondary objectives included improved staff attitudes and knowledge regarding de-escalating aggressive patient behaviors.MethodsThis evidence-based project used a pre/post intervention design on an adult inpatient psychiatric unit. Nursing staff participated in debriefings following violent patient events, reflecting on MOAB de-escalation techniques. Staff knowledge and attitudes were measured using pre- and post-intervention surveys. Assault rates from October to December 2023 were compared to the same period in 2024.FindingsPost-incident debriefing with a focus on MOAB de-escalation skills led to a 30.77% reduction in staff assaults, a 15.15% increase in positive attitudes, and a 31.47% increase in knowledge. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of debriefing in reinforcing MOAB skills and improving staff preparedness.DiscussionThe project showed that post-incident debriefing focusing on MOAB skills reduced workplace violence, improved staff knowledge, and enhanced attitudes toward de-escalation. These positive outcomes suggest the intervention could be expanded to other units to improve staff safety and patient care. Future work should aim to increase participation, standardize protocols, and explore long-term effects.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Post-Incident Debriefing Over Management of Aggressive Behavior (MOAB) Skills to Reduce Injury from Patient Assaults
- Creators
- Kyla Sanchez - University of Iowa
- Contributors
- Daniel Wesemann (Chair) - University of Iowa
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Project Type
- Poster
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), University of Iowa
- Degree in
- Psych-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Date degree season
- Spring 2025
- Publisher
- University of Iowa
- Number of pages
- 1 page
- Copyright
- Copyright 2025 Kyla Sanchez
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- College of Nursing; Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects
- Record Identifier
- 9984841035702771
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