In this blog, Jason Sadler, Senior Lecturer at Swansea University, reveals how Interprofessional Education supports an innovative approach to provide students with the techniques to tackle challenging situations.

Managing violence and aggression (V&A) in healthcare settings remains a critical challenge for practitioners and educators alike. While incidents are relatively rare, their impact can be profound—both for patient safety and professional wellbeing. This blog explores an innovative approach to V&A training at Swansea University, drawing on over two decades of frontline paramedic experience and pedagogical reflection.

Why Interprofessional Education Matters

Healthcare is inherently collaborative. Preparing students to navigate complex, high-stress environments requires more than technical competence; it demands psychological resilience and sociological awareness. Traditional e-learning modules, such as the All-Wales V&A Passport, offer convenience but often lack the depth and engagement necessary for lasting impact. Face-to-face sessions, enriched by real-world narratives, provide a more authentic and memorable learning experience.

From Simulation to Self-Regulation

One key insight from my MSc reflections was the importance of embedding sociological and psychological principles into clinical teaching. For example, when introducing cardiac arrest scenarios, I begin with a simple but powerful reminder: “This is NOT your emergency.” This reframing encourages students to pause and regulate their own neurological responses before acting.

To operationalise this, I teach the STD principle—Stop, Think, Do—supported by box breathing techniques. These strategies activate the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing heart rate and blood pressure, and enabling clearer decision-making. In the context of V&A, this physiological reset is essential for effective dynamic risk assessment and de-escalation.

Introducing BRACE: A Structured Response

Recognising the need for a practical, memorable framework, I developed the BRACE mnemonic:

• Brace – Adopt a stable stance and secure footing; control the grip.
• Relax – Use breathing to reduce tension and influence the aggressor’s psychology.
• Assess – Evaluate intent and threat level (e.g., confused patient vs. hostile aggressor).
• Communicate – Attempt verbal de-escalation or call for assistance.
• Exit – Apply safe disengagement techniques.

Feedback from students suggests BRACE offers clarity and confidence, even when not followed perfectly. Its strength lies in preparation, providing those crucial extra seconds to plan rather than react instinctively.

Beyond Compliance: Towards Impactful Education

Tick-box training may satisfy regulatory requirements, but it rarely transforms practice. By integrating physiological self-regulation, sociological awareness, and structured response strategies, we can create V&A education that resonates beyond the classroom. Ultimately, our goal is not just to teach techniques but to cultivate reflective practitioners capable of managing aggression with composure and compassion.