Postincident Support for Healthcare Workers Experiencing Occupational Violence and Aggression

Abstract

This study identifies workplace practices that facilitate the provision of postincident support for healthcare workers. Facilitating effective postincident support could improve outcomes for workers, their patients and workplaces, and society in general.

The frequency and types of violence experienced by Australian sonographers from patients and visitors: A pilot study

“…1,5 The detrimental effect of violence on patient care and the healthcare worker can be seen in organisational factors such as increased absenteeism and employee turnover and, individual factors such as reduced job satisfaction, increased anxiety and an unwillingness to treat known perpetrators of violence. 1,5,11 Our study demonstrates Australian sonographers are exposed to patient and visitor violence, most commonly verbal violence. These findings may help to structure a safe working environment and improve patient care.…”

“…The impact of violence in healthcare is significant, resulting in considerable health effects for healthcare workers and contributing to poor health outcomes for patients. 1,5,11 The literature reports that violence negatively impacts both the psychological and physical wellbeing of healthcare workers and has the potential to impact patient care. 1,5,11 The psychological impact of violence on healthcare workers may manifest as stress, anxiety, depression or fearfulness of violence reoccurring.…”

“…1,5,11 The literature reports that violence negatively impacts both the psychological and physical wellbeing of healthcare workers and has the potential to impact patient care. 1,5,11 The psychological impact of violence on healthcare workers may manifest as stress, anxiety, depression or fearfulness of violence reoccurring. 1,11 The physical impacts are more apparent;…”

“…1,5,11 The psychological impact of violence on healthcare workers may manifest as stress, anxiety, depression or fearfulness of violence reoccurring. 1,11 The physical impacts are more apparent;…”

“…The research to date is primarily focused on the prevalence of violence within hospital emergency departments, namely violence towards nurses, doctors and paramedics. 1,[5][6][7][8][9]11,12,13 The prevalence of violence in healthcare is wide-ranging and the research to date provides valuable insight into the general extent of violence towards healthcare workers. Recent research suggests that anywhere between 46% and 85% of healthcare workers across various disciplines and countries will experience a form of violence in their career lifetime, with verbal abuse accounting for the majority of incidents.…”