Lateral violence in the perioperative setting.

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Healthcare Management
• Workplace Psychology

Background:

• Lateral violence, defined as disruptive, bullying, or intimidating behavior among nurses, presents a significant challenge in healthcare environments.
• The perioperative setting, characterized by high stress, patient acuity, staffing shortages, and OR isolation, creates a conducive atmosphere for concealed negative behaviors like lateral violence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the prevalence and impact of lateral violence in the perioperative nursing environment.
• To identify contributing factors specific to the perioperative setting that exacerbate lateral violence.
• To explore effective interventions for mitigating lateral violence among nursing staff.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative analysis of nurse-reported experiences with lateral violence.
• Review of environmental factors contributing to workplace conflict in surgical settings.
• Synthesis of existing literature on interventions for disruptive behavior in nursing.

Main Results:

• Lateral violence negatively impacts nurses' health, well-being, and capacity to provide patient care.
• Specific perioperative stressors, including intense work demands and limited communication, facilitate lateral violence.
• Empowerment strategies and a zero-tolerance policy are identified as key interventions.

Conclusions:

• Addressing lateral violence in perioperative settings is crucial for fostering a healthier work environment.
• Implementing staff empowerment and strict zero-tolerance policies can effectively combat disruptive behaviors.
• Reducing lateral violence is essential for enhancing both nurse well-being and the quality of patient care.