Managing patient aggression in healthcare: Initial testing of a communication accommodation theory intervention

Abstract Patient-perpetrated workplace violence (WPV) in healthcare is common. Although communication skills trainings are helpful, they may be strengthened by having a theoretical framework to improve replicability across contexts. This study developed and conducted an initial test of training framed Communication Accommodation Theory (CAT) using longitudinal mixed-methods surveys professionals American primary care clinic increase their self-efficacy, patient cooperation, use CAT strategies de-escalate aggression. Results the intervention indicate that significantly increased professionals’ efficacy reported cooperation over time. Findings showed those who more five also situations were able effectively. prevent WPV demonstrates promise for applicability aggression, need scale these settings experience high levels.