Authors
Ravindra Wankhedkara, Vasudevan Sb
a Department of Surgery, SBH Medical College, Dhule, Maharashtra;
b Department of Urology, Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram; Kerala Medical Journal
Abstract
Background: Hospital violence, encompassing physical or emotional harm to healthcare personnel, is a grave and escalating threat, transforming hospitals into stressful environments. It is often a symptom of an under-supported healthcare system, leading to defensive medicine and suffering for both staff and patients. This behavior includes aggression, verbal abuse, threats, and physical assault.
Causes and Contributing Factors: Violence against healthcare professionals often stems from a lack of patient and family understanding regarding healthcare, disease processes, and management, coupled with unreasonable expectations for positive outcomes and high expenses. Provocative factors also include perceived negligence, poor communication, and the stressful hospital environment. Situational factors like drug/alcohol use, homelessness, frustration from long waits, and societal changes further contribute to this risk, particularly in critical care and emergency departments.
Prevention Strategies: Preventing workplace violence requires a multi-faceted approach. Key strategies include comprehensive education for all employees on recognizing and reporting violence, improving employee identification systems, implementing strict policies to protect personal information, conducting thorough background checks, developing drug screening programs, and establishing family advocate programs. Collaborating with security departments to assess and enhance physical security measures, such as cameras and controlled access, is crucial to create a safer environment while maintaining patient-friendliness.
Conclusion: Workplace violence in healthcare is a growing concern, but through education, risk identification, and the implementation of robust assessment and response plans, healthcare personnel can proactively deter violent incidents and minimize their negative consequences.