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Recommended Citation
Bos R, Goette M, Hallman L, Williams J. STAMP out Workplace Violence for Nurses Working in an Emergency Center. Quality Improvement podium presentation at Transforming Practice: The Intersection of Technology and Nursing Excellence; Advocate Health Nursing Research and Professional Development Conference 2025; November 12, 2025; Virtual.
Presentation Notes
Quality Improvement podium presentation at Transforming Practice: The Intersection of Technology and Nursing Excellence; Advocate Health Nursing Research and Professional Development Conference 2025; November 12, 2025; Virtual.
Abstract
Background
Workplace Violence (WPV) in healthcare remains a serious concern. Most healthcare workers will experience violence- physical acts, verbal intimidation, or threatening statements by patients/families. AHNTMC has a large Emergency Center (EC), receiving over 50,000 visits annually. Some patients exhibit violent tendencies, which may stem from traumatic brain injuries, psychiatric disorders or other medical problems. Like other hospitals, under-reporting by registered nurses (RNs) is an issue.
Local Problem
Despite having many of the evidence-based practice (EBP) requirements such as education, officers on site and panic buttons, our EC RN, WPV rate/1000 patients ranged from 3.67 to 4.80/1000 patient visits. Teammate wellbeing is a strategic goal; it is imperative to decrease workplace incidents keeping teammates safe.
Method
The PDSA cycle guided this project. An interdisciplinary team of key stakeholders was formed. A literature review and networking with other National ECs helped identify current EBP tools for the improvement intervention. The STAMP aggression screening tool, placed in EPIC, was chosen to communicate positive aggression results. Screening commences when a patient arrives in EC triage if displaying aggressive behaviors. When patients screened positive, an orange triangle was placed on their door to alert teammates to use caution, use de-escalation techniques, and consult the patient's RN. STAMP is an acronym for S-staring, T-tone and volume of voice, A-anxiety, M-mumbling, and P-pacing. Education was provided to all EC healthcare teammates.
Results/Conclusions
Reminders about de-escalation, STAMP education, and awareness helped EC RNs prevent aggressive patient behavior and reduce WPV. Within three months of implementing STAMP, we decreased RN WPV incidents/1000 patients from 4.80 to 1.37
Implications for Practice
STAMP, and other evidence-based practices, can help decrease WPV. Although STAMP was designed for EC use, it is a practical, affordable, and straightforward tool that can be applied in other healthcare settings. All teammates deserve to work in a healthy and safe environment.
Document Type
Oral/Podium Presentation
Publication Date
11-12-2025
STAMP out Workplace Violence for Nurses Working in an Emergency Center
Background
Workplace Violence (WPV) in healthcare remains a serious concern. Most healthcare workers will experience violence- physical acts, verbal intimidation, or threatening statements by patients/families. AHNTMC has a large Emergency Center (EC), receiving over 50,000 visits annually. Some patients exhibit violent tendencies, which may stem from traumatic brain injuries, psychiatric disorders or other medical problems. Like other hospitals, under-reporting by registered nurses (RNs) is an issue.
Local Problem
Despite having many of the evidence-based practice (EBP) requirements such as education, officers on site and panic buttons, our EC RN, WPV rate/1000 patients ranged from 3.67 to 4.80/1000 patient visits. Teammate wellbeing is a strategic goal; it is imperative to decrease workplace incidents keeping teammates safe.
Method
The PDSA cycle guided this project. An interdisciplinary team of key stakeholders was formed. A literature review and networking with other National ECs helped identify current EBP tools for the improvement intervention. The STAMP aggression screening tool, placed in EPIC, was chosen to communicate positive aggression results. Screening commences when a patient arrives in EC triage if displaying aggressive behaviors. When patients screened positive, an orange triangle was placed on their door to alert teammates to use caution, use de-escalation techniques, and consult the patient's RN. STAMP is an acronym for S-staring, T-tone and volume of voice, A-anxiety, M-mumbling, and P-pacing. Education was provided to all EC healthcare teammates.
Results/Conclusions
Reminders about de-escalation, STAMP education, and awareness helped EC RNs prevent aggressive patient behavior and reduce WPV. Within three months of implementing STAMP, we decreased RN WPV incidents/1000 patients from 4.80 to 1.37
Implications for Practice
STAMP, and other evidence-based practices, can help decrease WPV. Although STAMP was designed for EC use, it is a practical, affordable, and straightforward tool that can be applied in other healthcare settings. All teammates deserve to work in a healthy and safe environment.
Affiliations
Atrium Health Navicent