Identifying and Eliminating the Toxic Work Environment in the Clinical Setting: A Narrative Review

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This narrative review seeks to identify the scope, causes, and suggested solutions to both eliminating the toxic work environment (TWE) within a healthcare setting and maintaining a harmonious work environment, especially those in high volume areas such as emergency departments, primary care clinics, and urgent care clinics. BACKGROUND: Despite the end of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE), turnover and shortages in the healthcare sector labor force continues at an alarming rate. While the causes have been implicated, little is known about specific practices proven helpful in reversing this trend. METHODS: The selected search engines identified studies published within the last 10 years focusing on the toxic healthcare work environment, workplace stress, burnout, and healthcare worker (HCW) turnover. Suggested solutions were then explored. DISCUSSION: Numerous publications defined attributes of a TWE, as well as causes and damages incurred, but few gave substantial suggestions for management. No studies or articles discussed the development or use of a standardized protocol on how to manage a TWE. CONCLUSION: The TWE is a growing concern for stakeholders, as it affects both the organization and the community it serves. Determining the scope, measuring the damage, and addressing the causes are critical in ending it. Numerous solutions are outlined but a commitment to maintaining a harmonious workplace by all stakeholders is key. More studies are needed to develop best practices for the elimination of the TWE by way of tested and standardized protocols.