First, Do No Harm: Protecting Those Who Protect Our Health

Healthcare workers dedicate their lives to helping others, often in high-stress environments where emotions can run high. Yet an alarming trend has emerged in recent years - a sharp increase in violence against these professionals. From verbal abuse to physical assaults, healthcare workers increasingly find themselves in harm's way while trying to provide care for their patients.

The scope of the problem is staggering. Studies show that healthcare workers are four times more likely to experience workplace violence than workers in other industries (Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 2015). Emergency departments, psychiatric units, and long-term care facilities tend to see the highest incidence rates. Nurses bear the brunt of this violence, with some surveys finding that up to 90% of nurses report experiencing verbal or physical abuse on the job (Spector et al., 2014).

This violence takes many forms. Verbal abuse, threats, and intimidation are commonplace. Physical violence ranges from pushing and hitting to more severe assaults with weapons. The perpetrators are often patients or their family members, but can also include visitors, intruders, or even coworkers (Phillips, 2016).

The impacts of this violence are far-reaching. For individual healthcare workers, the physical and emotional toll can be immense. Injuries, trauma, burnout, and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are common consequences. This in turn affects patient care, as stressed and fearful healthcare workers may be less able to focus on their duties or may leave the profession altogether, exacerbating staffing shortages (Lanctôt & Guay, 2014). In an NRI document entitled, “State Psychiatric Hospital Workforce Shortages and Salaries, 2023”  there are reported shortages of child psychiatrists and registered nurses which can have a catastropic impact on services. Six states in the US reported a catastrophic level of shortage in social workers.

Addressing healthcare worker violence requires a multifaceted approach. Healthcare organizations need to prioritize worker safety with improved security systems, de-escalation training, and clear reporting procedures. Zero-tolerance policies for violence must be strictly enforced. Lawmakers can help by passing legislation that increases penalties for assaulting healthcare workers (Martinez, 2016).

Creating a culture of respect for healthcare workers is also crucial. Within healthcare facilities, leaders must foster an environment where workers feel supported and empowered to speak up about safety concerns (Gillespie et al., 2013).

Ultimately, protecting healthcare workers is not just about their individual safety - it's about preserving our entire healthcare system. When healthcare workers can't do their jobs safely, entire communities are impacted. By confronting this violence head-on, we can create safer environments for both healthcare workers and the patients they serve.

The healing profession should not require putting one's own safety at risk. It's time for a coordinated effort from healthcare organizations and policymakers to stem the tide of violence and ensure that those who care for us receive the protection and respect they deserve.

References:

Gillespie, G. L., Gates, D. M., & Fisher, B. S. (2015). Individual, relationship, workplace, and societal recommendations for addressing healthcare workplace violence. Work, 51(1), 67-84.

Lanctôt, N., & Guay, S. (2014). The aftermath of workplace violence among healthcare workers: A systematic literature review of the consequences. Aggression and violent behavior, 19(5), 492-501.

Martinez, A. J. S. (2016). Managing workplace violence with evidence-based interventions: a literature review. Journal of psychosocial nursing and mental health services, 54(9), 31-36.

Phillips, J. P. (2016). Workplace violence against health care workers in the United States. New England journal of medicine, 374(17), 1661-1669.

Spector, P. E., Zhou, Z. E., & Che, X. X. (2014). Nurse exposure to physical and nonphysical violence, bullying, and sexual harassment: A quantitative review. International journal of nursing studies, 51(1), 72-84.