Triggers of violent and aggressive behaviour in A&E

Our research identifies nine sets of triggers that might contribute to the occurrence of violent and aggressive acts in A&E. 

Ethnographic research teams conducted several hundred hours of observations within NHS A&E departments, analysing why and where incidents of violence and aggression took place.

These trigger ‘clusters’ provide food for thought, showing that through the introduction of small changes to the hospital environment, systems and processes, a big shift can be made to the staff and patient experience.