Written by Vivian Lei
Spoon Feed
Workplace violence (WPV) occurs in one out of every 3.7 shifts among healthcare workers (HCWs) in emergency departments, with nurses and younger HCWs being at higher risk.
Unjust hazards of healing
Just how common is workplace violence (WPV), and are there demographics of healthcare workers (HCWs) that are associated with higher likelihood of experiencing WPV? This was a cross-sectional study of 72 HCWs at a large urban ED, including attending physicians, residents, nurses, nonphysician practitioners, and other hospital employees. Over a two-month period, incidents of WPV were reported once every 3.7 shifts. Most events were verbal (50%), with physical violence making up 25% and no cases of severe injury or death. About 24% of incidents had a moderate or severe impact on HCWs, which likely contributes to stress, burnout, fear, and staff turnover. Younger HCWs (≤40 years) and nurses were significantly more likely to experience WPV, but no association was found for race or gender. Sexist and racist incidents comprised about one-third of reported cases, with sexist bias more common than racial bias (25% and 7% of events, respectively). Samples and descriptions of reported abusive events were included in the article, and, while the examples provided may not surprise those that work in the ED, they would likely be deeply disturbing in other fields of work. Limitations of the study included small sample size, incomplete data, potential selection bias, and lack of demographic diversity.
How will this change my practice?
The amount of verbal and physical abuse that HCWs endure is inexcusable yet remains largely underreported and ignored. This study emphasizes the need for improved prevention strategies to promote workplace safety and retain HCWs to care for the sickest and most vulnerable patients. To protect ourselves and our colleagues from violence, burnout, and desensitization requires recognition that WPV is not an acceptable reality of the profession.
Source
Workplace Violence in a Large Urban Emergency Department. JAMA Netw Open. 2024 Nov 4;7(11):e2443160. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.43160. PMID: 39499514
Fascinating! Never realized it was this high