Implementation of the Broset Violence Checklist at the University of Utah

Violence and aggression in healthcare settings pose significant risks to both patients and staff. At the University of Utah, staff have expressed that instances of workplace violence have increased, highlighting the need for proactive measures to identify and mitigate potential threats. Goal/Aim: The primary goal of implementing the Broset Violence Checklist (BVC) was to improve early recognition of escalating patient behaviors and enhance staff preparedness, ultimately reducing incidents of violence and improving workplace safety. Actions Taken: To achieve this goal, we implemented the BVC as a standardized risk assessment tool within the emergency department and inpatient settings. Key steps included: Training nursing staff on the proper use of the BVC; Educating all staff about the risk of harm to others icon and door sign; Integrating the checklist into every inpatient's admitting assessment; Establishing care considerations based on BVC scores; Conducting regular audits and feedback sessions to refine implementation. Summary of Results: Since implementation, staff have embraced the tool, reporting increased confidence in identifying and responding to aggression. Feedback indicates that the BVC has strengthened communication, improved patient care, and enhanced overall safety. Preliminary data shows a significant rise in patient screenings for risk of harm to others, and we continue to track risk level trends. The successful integration of the BVC underscores the value of structured risk assessment tools in mitigating workplace violence and fostering a safer healthcare environment. Ongoing monitoring and refinement will ensure its continued effectiveness in our organization.