90596 - Safe Assessment and Management of the Aggressive Patient SAMAP

The workshop will cover the assessment and management of the aggressive patient including psychiatric assessment and care, differential diagnosis of mental health, drug-induced and medical issues, sedation and post-sedation care, appropriate disposition of patients who display aggressive behavior and those with mental health disorders, including the implications and summary of the new Mental Health Act. 

This workshop is facilitated by a team of emergency medicine specialists and psychiatrists supporting Western Australian medical practitioners to expand their mental health emergency skills and knowledge.

Behavioural disturbances and aggression in the emergency department is an increasing problem confronting emergency clinicians every day with 50 percent of attacks on health care workers occur in the emergency department. General practitioners and emergency workers should be confident and have the knowledge to manage and undertake safe assessment of an aggressive patient. By participating in continuing professional development (CPD) in the field of safe assessment and management of an aggressive patient, general practitioners and emergency workers can refresh their skills and knowledge to deal with such a situation. It is also recommended that this professional development include hands on activities and simulation training. Rural Health West identified a gap in this training for general practitioners and emergency workers and in conjunction with WA Country Health Services has developed a one day Safe Assessment and Management of the Aggressive Patient workshop.