Violence in health care settings: rethinking actions

Abstract

Objective: To present a reflection on the forms of violence in health care settings and on preventive actions. Method: This is a theoretical reflection about the phenomenon of violence and its possible coping actions. Results: Nurses and other professionals working in health care environments may experience situations of aggression and disrespect through institutional or managerial violence, horizontal violence and patient violence. Final considerations: Violent practices are not applicable in any workplace, especially in care settings. Actions or measures of control should be taken in pursuit of healthier environments and in harmony with the culture of peace.

Violentômetro / Violentometer

“…As consequências negativas da violência contra o trabalhador podem afetar diretamente suas concepções de identidade e integridade concernente aos aspectos físicos, éticos, morais, psicológicos e sociais (10) . Segundo estudos nacionais (11) e internacionais (12) os profissionais da enfermagem vem sendo apontados como a classe que mais sofre violência no ambiente hospitalar, e a segunda profissão com maior risco de sofrer violência, perdendo apenas para os oficiais de polícia (8) . Entre os principais fatores que desencadeiam situações de violência estão: problemas organizacionais, perfil dos usuários, ambientes de trabalho com condições negativas, e recursos materiais e humanos escassos (9) .…”

Uso da simulação na capacitação sobre violência no trabalho da enfermagem

“…(4) This increased risk of exposure to violence may be related to the time that nurses remain with patients and to the patients and caregivers' behavior, that sometimes show insecurity, distress, anxiety and worry, as well as issues of gender, professional prestige and work organization. (4)(5)(6)(7)(8) In addition to violence committed by patients and caregivers, nursing professionals, especially the newly formed, are at risk of suffering violence from their supervisors and co-workers from the same profession or from categories that are interrelated, due to lack of empathy, weaknesses in team communication and devaluation of individual knowledge or potentialities. (8)(9)(10) Study carried out among health professionals from a public hospital in the South of Brazil showed that 15.2% of participants had been through physical violence and 48.7% psychological violence; and the patient, co-worker, boss and caregiver were included among perpetrators.…”

“…(4)(5)(6)(7)(8) In addition to violence committed by patients and caregivers, nursing professionals, especially the newly formed, are at risk of suffering violence from their supervisors and co-workers from the same profession or from categories that are interrelated, due to lack of empathy, weaknesses in team communication and devaluation of individual knowledge or potentialities. (8)(9)(10) Study carried out among health professionals from a public hospital in the South of Brazil showed that 15.2% of participants had been through physical violence and 48.7% psychological violence; and the patient, co-worker, boss and caregiver were included among perpetrators. (7) In that study the nursing professionals, specially technicians and assistants, had suffered workplace violence in the last 12 months more than doctors and workers from other categories that made up the health interdisciplinary team.…”

“…(11) There is a consensus in the literature about the importance of government and health institutions to seek tools to prevent violence at work, protect workers and promote a culture of peace. (1,7,8,11,12) Different strategies have been designed to prevent or control cases of violence at work and to contribute to the creation of healthier working environments. (8) In this context, it is highlighted the development of educational programs with emphasis on the awareness of the workers on the phenomenon, in the prevention and management of violence.…”

“…(1,7,8,11,12) Different strategies have been designed to prevent or control cases of violence at work and to contribute to the creation of healthier working environments. (8) In this context, it is highlighted the development of educational programs with emphasis on the awareness of the workers on the phenomenon, in the prevention and management of violence. (1,13) Previous study results have shown that workers often express fear and anxiety when they need to care for patients who can act aggressively.…”