Risk assessment of workplace violence towards health workers in a Chinese hospital: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the risk factors associated with workplace violence towards health workers (HWs) in a Chinese hospital.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional survey in a Chinese secondary hospital in 2019 using an international survey questionnaire, and collected valid data from 1028 HW respondents via mobile phone. Alongside analysing the potential association between exposure to violence and respondents’ characteristics, we compared the workplace violence between this survey and a baseline survey in the same hospital using the same questionnaire in 2018, and investigated the existing measures.ResultsA total of 5.45% of respondents had encountered physical violence while 41.63% had experienced psychological violence. Women (OR=3.45, 95% CI 1.87 to 6.38), those working in outpatient and emergency departments (OR=7.96, 95% CI 2.27 to 27.95), and those with extremely high concern about workplace violence (OR=7.94, 95% CI 1.04 to 60.85) were significantly more likely to suffer physical violence. Working in the outpatient and emergency department (OR=2.03, 95% CI 1.23 to 3.34), having direct physical contact/interaction with patients (OR=2.98, 95% CI 1.62 to 5.49), and extremely high worry about workplace violence (OR=6.47 95% CI 3.38 to 12.40) significantly increased the risk of psychological violence. When the results of the baseline survey were compared with those in this survey, it was shown that physical violence declined significantly from 8.79% in 2018 to 5.45% in 2019, while psychological violence declined significantly from 47.14% in 2018 to 41.63% in 2019. The most recognised measures were security measures (81.03%) while the least recognised measures were check-in procedures for staff (11.19%).ConclusionWorkplace violence towards HWs is a global problem with country-specific features. In our study, workplace violence in the hospital is of great concern. While demonstrating the effectiveness of measures in some degree, there is significant room for improvement. To achieve the vision of ‘zero violence’ in the health sector, aligned comprehensive measures should be systematically adopted.

Causes of Hospital Violence, Characteristics of Perpetrators, and Prevention and Control Measures: A Case Analysis of 341 Serious Hospital Violence Incidents in China

“…We also found that most perpetrators were patients' relatives, further confirming previous research (26). We believe that this is caused by a lack of empathy of patients' relatives toward the doctor.…”

“…The characteristics of hospital violence events found in this study are consistent with those of previous studies. Most of these cases occurred in secondary hospitals, outpatient departments, and emergency departments (25,26). Moreover, most perpetrators committed violence by placing wreaths, blocking doors, burning papers, placed the corpse, and physically assaulting others (26,27).…”

“…Most of these cases occurred in secondary hospitals, outpatient departments, and emergency departments (25,26). Moreover, most perpetrators committed violence by placing wreaths, blocking doors, burning papers, placed the corpse, and physically assaulting others (26,27). Doctors and nurses experienced the highest frequency of violence (28,29).…”

Workplace Violence Against Healthcare Professionals in Thai Tertiary Hospitals

“…This relates to a previous study, when the staff was either preparing for or providing health services (43). This corresponded to the ndings of a study in Hong Kong and China (16,41,44). The third factor was the last factor of our logistics model.…”

Health Promotion Capacity Among Chinese Healthcare Professionals and Its Influence on Preventive Health Service Practices

“…18 The Law on Basic Health Care and Health Promotion was also implemented as the country's first basic and comprehensive healthcare law. 19 Primary doctors and nurses will be encouraged to participate in more health promotion tasks in their daily work. 17 It is meaningful to evaluate the current status of health promotion among healthcare professionals in the new era in China, and to provide suggestions to improve their ability.…”