Citation

Ramacciati N, Ceccagnoli A, Addey B, Lumini E, Rasero L. Open Access Emerg. Med. 2016; 8: 17-27.

Affiliation

Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Perugia, Italy; Research and Development Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Careggi, Florence, Italy.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, Dove Press)

DOI

10.2147/OAEM.S69976

PMID

27307769

PMCID

PMC4886301

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The phenomenon of workplace violence in health care settings, and especially in the emergency department (ED), has assumed the dimensions of a real epidemic. Many studies highlight the need for methods to ensure the safety of staff and propose interventions to address the problem.

AIM: The aim of this review was to propose a narrative of the current approaches to reduce workplace violence in the ED, with a particular focus on evaluating the effectiveness of emergency response programs.

METHODS: A search was conducted between December 1, 2015 and December 7, 2015, in PubMed and CINAHL. Ten intervention studies were selected and analyzed.

RESULTS: Seven of these interventions were based on sectoral interventions and three on comprehensive actions.

CONCLUSION: The studies that have attempted to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions have shown weak evidence to date. Further research is needed to identify effective actions to promote a safe work environment in the ED.

Language: en