National Associations (NAs) project. Violence & aggression: prevention and management strategies in European dialysis, nephrological and transplantation units.

Aim: The descriptive survey aims to explore strategies for prevention and management of violence and aggressions in dialysis units in the different European countries. Method: The convenience sample was composed of dialysis, nephrological and transplantation units in European countries. We used a questionnaire developed with the collaboration of NAs, piloted on a group of renal workers. It consists of 2 parts (26 questions), and it was completed by the head-nurse or a delegated nurse in the unit. Each NA appointed a Representative colleague. They lead the project in every country and translated the questionnaire if necessary. Questionnaires were distributed in paper or electronic form, by mail or during congresses. Data were analysed using STATA software. It was performed a preliminary descriptive variable analysis and then verified the association between variables using the χ2 test; values of p < 0.005 were considered statistically significant. Results: We received 568 completed questionnaire from units from 13 countries (participation rate (21 %). 436 questionnaires were completed in 12 European countries. Results shows that written policies and procedure regarding violence and aggression are present only in 18 % of units. Educational strategies are diffused in less than the 20 % of units. Events are prevented mainly by security staff (48 %) or pharmacological treatment (66 %). Incident report is mandatory for any violence and aggressions behaviour in 66 % of units. University and private hospitals implement more strategies. There are differences between European countries. Discussion and conclusion: Violence and aggression prevention and management strategies are not widely implemented in European countries. It would be useful to construct