Physical Assaults on Healthcare Workers in an Acute Care Ward of a Tertiary Psychiatric Hospital in India: A Retrospective Descriptive Study

Background: Workplace violence is a recognized occupational hazard in psychiatric settings, especially in acute inpatient wards. The characteristics and circumstances of physical assault incidents need to be understood for developing preventive strategies. Aim: To describe the demographic, clinical, and incident-related characteristics of physical assaults by psychiatric inpatients on healthcare workers in an acute care ward in a tertiary psychiatric hospital over a one-year period. Methods: A retrospective, descriptive, observational study was conducted using data from the assault registers of an acute care ward at a tertiary psychiatric hospital in South India. All documented physical assault incidents between January and December 2023 were included. Demographic, clinical and assault-related data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: Eighteen physical assault incidents involving 24 healthcare workers were documented. Mean age of patients was 26.5 years (SD = 8.2; range 18–50), with a predominance of male patients (66.7%). Schizophrenia spectrum disorders accounted for the majority of assaults (72.2%). Demands for discharge or to leave the ward were the most common reasons for assault. Physical restraint was used in 88.9% of incidents, and chemical restraints in 72.2% of cases. Nurses were the most frequently assaulted staff (37.5%). Physical injuries were mild and infrequent. Conclusion: Physical Assaults in acute psychiatric wards predominantly involve young male patients with psychotic disorders and nursing staff are commonly affected. Early intervention, prompt response, and structured aggression management protocols and training may help reduce workplace violence in psychiatric settings. Keywords: Physical Assault, Healthcare Workers, Psychiatric Settings, Acute Care, Workplace Violence, Psychiatric Nursing