Ethicality forms a challenge in the implementation of structured violence risk screening: a qualitative study of an intervention in two Swedish emergency psychiatric units - Report - MDSpire

Ethicality forms a challenge in the implementation of structured violence risk screening: a qualitative study of an intervention in two Swedish emergency psychiatric units

  • By

  • Rose-Marie Lindkvist

  • Anders Håkansson

  • Lars Garpenhag

  • June 24, 2026

  • 0 min

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Challenges of Ethical Considerations in Implementing Structured Violence Risk Assessments

Overview

This study explores the ethical acceptability of the Violence risk screening-10 (V-RISK-10) intervention among psychiatric staff in Sweden. Professionals recognized ethical concerns regarding accuracy and interpretation of results.

Background

Violence in psychiatric settings poses significant risks to both patients and healthcare professionals. Routine violence risk screening can help identify preventive measures, but ethical considerations surrounding such assessments are crucial for successful implementation.

Data Highlights

No numerical data or trial results were provided in the source material.

Key Findings

  • Professionals expressed positive views on V-RISK-10 for promoting uniform assessments.
  • Concerns were raised about the accuracy and interpretation of screening results.
  • Ethical acceptability was perceived as a balance between individual and collective interests.
  • Implementation requires dissemination of knowledge and clear guidelines for using screening results.
  • The ethical complexity of routine violence risk screening was highlighted in the study.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare organizations should ensure that staff are adequately trained and informed about the ethical implications of violence risk assessments.

Conclusion

A careful approach is necessary to align interventions with the ethical values of healthcare professionals.

Related Resources & Content

  1. BMC Psychiatry, 2026 -- Experiences of Therapists and Clinical Staff with Virtual Reality-Based Aggression Management in a High-Security Forensic Psychiatric Facility
  2. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 2026 -- Correction: Experiences of violence among people with severe mental illness: social, biographical and institutional factors (EVIO). A study protocol for a mixed-methods study
  3. BMC Psychiatry, 2025 -- Exploring the Experiences of Forensic Psychiatric Patients in Managing Co-Occurring Mental and Substance Use Disorders
  4. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 2026 -- Suicidal and self-harm behaviors in emergency psychiatry: bridging risk assessment and clinical decision-making
  5. NICE, 2024 -- Recommendations | Violence and aggression: short-term management in mental health, health and community settings
  6. Predictive Validity of Violence Screening Tools in Emergency and Psychiatric Services: A Systematic Review
  7. Factors Associated with Perceived Coercion in Adults Receiving Psychiatric Care: A Scoping Review - PubMed
  8. Recommendations | Violence and aggression: short-term management in mental health, health and community settings | Guidance | NICE
  9. eLibrary: Predictive Validity of Violence Screening Tools in Emergency and Psychiatric Services: A Systematic Review
  10. Factors Associated with Perceived Coercion in Adults Receiving Psychiatric Care: A Scoping Review - PubMed

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