Training & Education



There are various resources and programs available to provide staff training and education on workplace violence prevention, de-escalation techniques, and post-incident response. Here are some commonly recognized resources and programs:

  1. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA):
  2. Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI):
    • CPI offers a variety of training programs, including Nonviolent Crisis Intervention®, which focuses on preventing and de-escalating crisis situations.
    • Their training emphasizes techniques for identifying early warning signs, maintaining personal safety, and using verbal and nonverbal de-escalation strategies.
  3. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH):
    • NIOSH provides resources and research related to workplace violence prevention, including training materials tailored to the healthcare sector.
    • The NIOSH publication "Violence Occupational Hazards in Hospitals" offers guidance on implementing prevention programs and training healthcare workers.
  4. Professional Associations and Organizations:
    • Many professional associations, such as the American Nurses Association (ANA), American Hospital Association (AHA), and Emergency Nurses Association (ENA), offer resources, guidelines, and training programs focused on workplace violence prevention and response.
    • These associations often provide educational materials, webinars, conferences, and networking opportunities to help healthcare professionals stay informed about best practices.
  5. Local Law Enforcement Agencies:
    • Collaborate with local law enforcement agencies to provide specialized training for staff members. Law enforcement personnel can offer expertise in areas such as threat assessment, active shooter response, and de-escalation techniques.
    • Some law enforcement agencies provide training programs specifically designed for healthcare professionals to enhance their preparedness and response to workplace violence incidents.
  6. Internal Training Programs:
    • Develop in-house training programs that are tailored to the specific needs of your healthcare facility.
    • Utilize internal subject matter experts, such as security personnel, risk management professionals, or behavioral health specialists, to deliver training sessions on workplace violence prevention, de-escalation techniques, and post-incident response.
    • Incorporate scenario-based training and simulations to provide staff members with practical experience in handling workplace violence incidents.
It's important to select resources and programs that align with the unique needs and characteristics of your healthcare facility. Consider a combination of external resources, professional associations, and customized internal training to provide a comprehensive and well-rounded approach to staff education and preparedness.


Recommended training programs on conflict management, de-escalation, and response to violence:

There are several recommended training programs on conflict management, de-escalation, and response to violence that can be valuable for healthcare professionals. Here are a few examples:

1.     Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Training: This training program focuses on prevention and de-escalation techniques to manage aggressive behavior and prevent violence. It teaches strategies for recognizing and responding to escalating behavior, along with safe physical interventions if necessary. CPI Institute

2.     Mandt System: The Mandt System offers a comprehensive training program that emphasizes building healthy relationships, effective communication, and non-physical strategies for managing challenging behavior. It includes modules on understanding behavior, preventing escalation, and post-incident support.

3.     Verbal Defense and Influence (VDI): VDI provides training in tactical communication skills to defuse potential conflicts, manage difficult interactions, and maintain personal safety. It focuses on verbal de-escalation techniques, active listening, empathy, and effective communication strategies. 

4.     National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Violence Prevention in Healthcare Training: NIOSH offers training resources and modules that address workplace violence prevention in healthcare settings. It covers risk assessment, prevention strategies, staff training, and organizational support for a comprehensive approach to workplace violence prevention.

5.     ALICE Training: ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate) is a program that focuses on response options during active shooter events or violent intruder situations. It provides training on situational awareness, decision-making, and strategies for survival.

6.     Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Training: CIT training programs are designed to train law enforcement and healthcare professionals to respond effectively to individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. It aims to enhance understanding, communication, and de-escalation skills when interacting with individuals in crisis.

7.     Emotional Intelligence Training: Emotional intelligence training helps individuals develop self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, and effective interpersonal skills. This training can enhance conflict management abilities, promote effective communication, and reduce the likelihood of violence in interactions.

1.   Edgepoint Learning