Breakaway training for NHS staff: time for a fresh approach?
| Published date | 24 September 2009 |
| Pages | 37-46 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/17556228200900024 |
| Date | 24 September 2009 |
| Author | Andy Mott,Paul Dobson,James Walton,Penny Highfield,Lee Harries,Robert Seal,Peter Butland |
| Subject Matter | Health & social care |
37
The Journal of Mental Health Training, Education and Practice Volume 4 Issue 3 September 2009 © Pier Professional Ltd
Breakaway training for NHS staff:
time for a fresh approach?
Abstract
Since the early 1980s, breakaway training has
been synonymous with many prevention and
management of violence and aggression (PMVA)
training programmes in social care and NHS
settings. However, for almost three decades, this
community has continued to accept a training
approach that has been largely unsupported by
a robust underpinning methodology or evidence
base. The validity of this h istorical training
approach will be examined in context with the
available literature, and will seek to identify the
fundamental flaws that have been inherent in the
traditional system. This paper will conclude by
making some practical suggestions on how the
efficacy of personal protective training may be
improved, based on the emerging findings from
other scientific fields.
Key words
Violence; aggression; breakaway techniques; self-
protection; PMVA
Introduction
The prevalence of violence and aggression in UK mental
health services is well documented, and a myriad of
primary, secondary and tertiary strategies have emerged
during the past decade in order to help minimise the impact
of this occupational hazard (NHS Security Management
Services, 2003; 2004; 2005; National Audit Office, 2003;
Nursing and Midwifery Council, 2001; Royal College of
Psychiatrists, 1998). However, despite the introduction
Andy Mott
Clinical Nurse Specialist, Prevention and Management of Violence and Aggression, Avon and Wiltshire
Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust
Paul Dobson
Prevention and Management of Violence and Aggression Manager/Security Management Specialist,
Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust
James Walton
Clinical Nurse Specialist, Prevention and Management of Violence and Aggression, Avon and Wiltshire
Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust
Penny Highfield
Clinical Skills Trainer, Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust
Lee Harries
Clinical Skills Trainer, Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust
Robert Seal
Clinical Nurse Specialist, Prevention and Management of Violence and Aggression, Somerset Partnership
NHS Foundation Trust
Peter Butland
Clinical Nurse Specialist, Prevention and Management of Violence and Aggression, Somerset Partnership
NHS Foundation Trust
To continue reading
Request your trial