Risk analysis : an integrated approach to the assessment and management of aggression/violence in mental health

Assessing a patient's risk of violent behaviour, predicting dangerousness and the development of a subsequent management plan have become integral and important aspects of contemporary mental health practices. What is less clear, and much discussed within the literature, is how we should best implement risk assessment and risk management practices within mental health care. The aim of this paper is to critically discuss risk assessment practices in order to propose a systematic approach to the effective assessment and management of aggression and violence in mental health settings. A critical review of the risk literature in mental health was undertaken. The literature search highlighted different generations or approaches to risk assessment methodology, which were critically reviewed. From this critical review a proposed model entitled ‘risk analysis’ is argued from the appraisal and critique of the literature as a more encompassing and collaborative approach to the assessment and management of risk.