Graduation Year

2024

Degree Type

Open Access Dissertation

Document Type

Capstone

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Department

Baccalaureate and Graduate Nursing

First Advisor

Dr. Wanda France

Department Affiliation

Baccalaureate and Graduate Nursing

Second Advisor

Dr. Fontaine Sands

Department Affiliation

Baccalaureate and Graduate Nursing

Department Affiliation

Baccalaureate and Graduate Nursing

Abstract

Verbal and physical abuse in long-term care facilities has significantly increased due to the addition of middle-aged adults and elderly residents with dementia-induced behaviors. Aggressive behaviors must be managed with effective de-escalation techniques to reduce behaviors turning violent. Caregivers are not properly educated utilizing a robust training program leaving them with a lack of knowledge and confidence to manage aggression. This project aimed to implement an evidence-based guideline tool that equips the clinical staff with de-escalation techniques to effectively manage residents with aggressive behaviors by decreasing incident reports filed due to behavioral events. A review and synthesis of the literature supports ensuring employees are equipped with skills to manage aggressors. The methods used included education and implementing the EMDABS de-escalation tool providing participants with seven qualities and novel descriptors to manage aggression. The demographics survey was concluded by using descriptive statistics. Knowledge and Confidence based on a pre and post-test were measured using a paired t-test with a (p-value=0.68) for knowledge. Confidence results measured a (p-value = 0.00000156). Risk Watch database incident reports decreased by 89%. The tool evaluation form using descriptive statistics based on a (5-point Likert scale) concluded that all participants agreed or strongly agreed the tool was useful in changing their practice.

IRB Approval Number (if applicable)

5664

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