Managing Patients with Risk of Aggression in Public Hospitals’ Emergency Department: Legal and Practical Approach in Malaysia

Emergency Departments (EDs) in Malaysian public hospitals are increasingly overwhelmed by the patient load, with some exhibiting disruptive or aggressive behaviour requiring urgent care. These patients did not necessarily have mental illness. Nevertheless, they may have some mental health issues that warrant urgent attention. Despite existing referral systems, incidents involving aggression persist, often due to inadequate facilities, insufficiently trained staff, and overcrowding. In addition, the skills of paramedics and medical officers in handling emergency cases involving aggression require improvement to ensure better patient outcomes. This article highlights the need for a dedicated area or space for behaviour assessment and continuous staff training to enhance mental health care in the ED, reduce preventable incidents, and ensure the safety and well-being of both patients and healthcare providers.