Date of Conferral
8-11-2026
Date of Award
August 2026
Degree
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
School
Nursing
Advisor
Jill Sanko
Abstract
This staff education project evaluated the effects of a structured verbal de-escalation training program on self-efficacy among staff in a federal correctional mental health unit. Staff at the site often reported uncertainty managing escalating behaviors, leading to frequent use of restrictive interventions like restraints and seclusion—practices that can compromise safety, quality of care, and raise ethical concerns. To address this gap, an evidence-based curriculum was implemented for 41 multidisciplinary staff, including nurses, certified nursing assistants, and correctional officers. The curriculum included a PowerPoint presentation, role play, and group discussion. A pre–post design measured changes in staff confidence using a modified Confidence in Coping with Patient Aggression Instrument. This version added items on verbal de-escalation and debriefing, and used a simplified 5-point Likert scale. Mean confidence scores rose from 2.77 before the intervention to 4.66 after, reflecting substantial improvement across all staff roles, with the largest gains among correctional officers and certified nursing assistants. Qualitative feedback reinforced these results; participants cited role play as particularly helpful in preparing them to respond calmly to escalating situations and appreciated the availability of practical techniques for immediate use on the unit. Additionally, the number of restrictive interventions fell from 40 in the month before training to 32 in the month after, suggesting improved application of verbal de-escalation strategies. These findings support the value of ongoing refresher training, wider facility implementation, and continued tracking of de-escalation outcomes. Overall, the project advances trauma-informed, equitable correctional mental healthcare by boosting staff confidence, decreasing reliance on coercive measures, and fostering safer, more therapeutic crisis management.
Recommended Citation
Goodman, Mary L., "Staff Education to Address Verbal De-Escalation Skills in Correctional Mental Healthcare" (2026). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 20576.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/20576
