Training Course in De-escalation Techniques for Nurses

General Objectives of the Course

General Objective
To develop communicational, emotional, and organisational competencies enabling nurses to manage situations of agitation and conflict in healthcare settings in a safe, ethical, and effective manner, promoting non-coercive and person-centred practices.

Specific Objectives
1. To understand the conceptual, ethical, and legal foundations of de-escalation in clinical settings.
2. To identify early signs of behavioural escalation and assess the risk of aggression.
3. To apply structured therapeutic communication and verbal de-escalation strategies.
4. To develop emotional self-regulation skills in critical situations.
5. To integrate de-escalation techniques into clinical practice, ensuring appropriate documentation of interventions and alignment with the organisational context.

Admission Requirements

Holders of a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, with valid registration with the Portuguese Order of Nurses (Ordem dos Enfermeiros). The course is intended for nurses in professional practice within healthcare settings, preferably those providing direct care to patients in situations of increased clinical or emotional vulnerability. The selection process may consider the suitability of the applicant’s professional profile to the nature of the training, as well as the order of application.

Candidates should check the admission requirements available on this site, in addition to the information provided here.

Mode of Study

B-learning

Teaching / Evaluation language(s)

Portuguese

Examination Regulations, Assessment and Grading

The final grade is Quantitative, expressed on a 0–20 scale and results from the weighted average of participation in training sessions (20%), performance in practical and simulation activities (40%), and an individual reflective assignment (40%). Participants are considered to have successfully completed the course if they obtain a final grade of 10 or higher and meet the attendance requirements.

Learning Objectives and Intended Skills

Identify early signs of agitation and behavioural risk; Apply structured therapeutic communication and verbal de-escalation strategies; Assess the risk of aggression and adapt the intervention to the clinical context; Demonstrate emotional self-regulation skills in critical situations; Integrate appropriate clinical documentation practices related to the interventions performed; Promote a non-coercive, person-centred approach within the organisational context.

Qualification Requirements and Regulations

Academic Regulation of the University of Coimbra

Study Programme

Técnicas de Desescalada para Enfermeiros

Academic year
2025-2026

Course Type
Non Degree Course

Qualification Awarded: Diploma/Certificate

Duration: 1 Semester(s)

ECTS Credits: 2.0