Citation

Ashton RA, Morris L, Smith I. Int. Emerg. Nurs. 2018; 39: 13-19.

Affiliation

Furness College, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YG, UK. Electronic address: i.smith@lancaster.ac.uk.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.ienj.2017.12.004

PMID

29326038

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Patient and visitor violence or aggression against healthcare workers in the Emergency Department (ED) is a significant issue worldwide. This review synthesises existing qualitative studies exploring the first-hand experiences of staff working in the ED to provide insight into preventing this issue.

METHOD: A meta-ethnographic approach was used to review papers.

RESULTS: Four concepts were identified: 'The inevitability of violence and aggression'; 'Staff judgments about why they face violence and aggression'; 'Managing in isolation'; and 'Wounded heroes'.

DISCUSSION: Staff resigned themselves to the inevitability of violence and aggression, doing this due to a perceived lack of support from the organisation. Staff made judgements about the reasons for violent incidents which impacted on how they coped and subsequently tolerated the aggressor. Staff often felt isolated when managing violence and aggression. Key recommendations included: Staff training in understanding violence and aggression and clinical supervision.

CONCLUSION: Violence and aggression in the ED can often be an overwhelming yet inevitable experience for staff. A strong organisational commitment to reducing violence and aggression is imperative.

Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Language: en

Keywords

Aggression; Emergency department; Emergency services; Health personnel; Qualitative studies; Workplace violence