The role of law in protection from violent and abusive patients

Abstract

What counter-measures can medical professionals take against violent and abusive patients in Japan? The aim of this article is to consider the role of law for protecting medical professionals from such patients in Japan, comparing it with its role in the UK. Medical professionals need to have legal knowledge for avoiding trouble after using such measures as "verbal defense" or "negotiation". When they use their body or objects for defense, they must use them within the limits of the law. Patients sometimes have violent and abusive behavior because of disease or depression from their condition or the environment. If a medical professional rights back against such a patient, is (s)he legally or morally responsible? This is a very important problem. Professional discretion is concerned with balancing patient healthcare and the safety of medical professionals.