Citation

Judy K, Veselik J. Occup. Med. 2009; 59(7): 472-475.

Affiliation

Department of Pediatrics, Loyola University Medical Center, 2160 South First Avenue, Maywood, IL 60153, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, Oxford University Press)

DOI

10.1093/occmed/kqp068

PMID

19460874

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Paediatric residents are often exposed to verbal abuse and/or physical assaults from patients and patients' families during the course of their training. Residents may benefit from further training on how to prevent and respond to workplace violence. AIMS: To determine the prevalence of workplace violence in paediatric residency training programmes. METHODS: In 2007, a 25-item web-based questionnaire about experiences of verbal and/or physical abuse while on duty was distributed to 1211 paediatric residents at all training levels from 25 paediatric programmes. RESULTS: A total of 541 questionnaires were returned giving a 45% response rate. In total, 33% of the respondents had been verbally abused or physically assaulted by patients and/or patients' families during their residency programme, although verbal abuse was much more common than physical assaults. In total, 71% of respondents reported having no teaching about workplace violence during their residency training. The majority (74%) indicated that they would like to receive more training in managing angry patients and families. CONCLUSIONS: Paediatric residents are often exposed to verbal threats during the course of their work. They are also at risk of physical assaults by angry patients and/or families. Paediatric residents require more training on how to prevent and respond to workplace violence, and this important topic should be incorporated into the paediatric residency curriculum.

Language: en