Citation

Rosenthal LJ, Byerly A, Taylor AD, Martinovich Z. Psychosomatics 2018; 59(6): 584-590.

Affiliation

Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Academy of Psychosomatic Medicine, Publisher Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.psym.2018.04.007

PMID

29909013

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Threatening and assaultive behaviors against healthcare workers is a growing national concern.^1,2,3 To assess the incidence and impact of aggression against healthcare workers, a safety and quality improvement project was initiated in an academic, tertiary care, and urban hospital.

METHODS: Through the Northwestern Academy of Quality and Safety Initiatives program, an invitation to complete an online survey was sent to healthcare workers. The survey inquired about prevalence, location, and type of experience of physical or verbal abuse by patients or families. Other goals were: 1) worker knowledge and use of reporting systems 2)effect on healthcare worker engagement, and 3) report of posttraumatic symptoms.

RESULTS: 34.4% of healthcare workers reported any incident of verbal or physical violence in the proceeding 12 months, with 13.5% reporting physical assault. Of those with any incident of physical or verbal violence, 60.2% endorsed at least one posttraumatic symptom, 9.4% missed work, and 30.1% had thoughts about leaving their job or career. The reported impact was the same for physical or verbal incidents.

DISCUSSION: Physical and verbal abuse of healthcare workers is prevalent and has a significant impact on employee engagement and posttraumatic spectrum symptoms. These results are based on a cross-sectional survey at one institution and may have a significant selection and response bias.

CONCLUSION: Assessment of both verbal and physical aggression against healthcare workers should be standard. Front line consulting psychiatrists and psychiatric programs for employee wellness could assess and manage this impact.

Copyright © 2018 Academy of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Language: en

Keywords

healthcare worker wellness; nursing; physician engagement; posttraumatic stress; security; workplace violence