Response to violence

Abstract

Violence against healthcare workers is a problem of global significance. Nurses and other healthcare workers have injury rates four times the private sector rate. A key driver of this rate increase is frustrated and anxious patients which may be lacking an emotional support structure to assist in navigating their health issue. It is imperative that health workers observe patients and visitors for signs of increased anxiety and react in a proactive manner to de-escalate these situations before the patient or other individual can act violently. Organizations should evaluate their workplace to mitigate issues and train their workforce to be better prepared when they encounter a violent individual.