Occupational violence in general practice: a whole-of-practice problem. Results of a cross-sectional study

To examine the experiences of occupational violence in general practitioner (GP) and non-GP staff. Further objectives were to compare prevalence of violence in GP and non-GP staff and to examine levels of apprehension and perceptions of control over violence.

Cross-sectional questionnaire-based study.

A network of research general practices, New South Wales, Australia.

GPs and non-GP staff--receptionist, practice-management, nursing and allied health staff.

Experience of occupational violence during the previous 12 months. Other outcomes examined were workplace apprehension regarding violence, perception of occupational violence as a problem in general practice, and perception of control over violence in the workplace.

A total of 125 questionnaire replies were received (response rate 55%), 59.3% of GPs and 74.6% of non-GPs had experienced work-related violence during the previous 12 months. The difference was not significant (OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.20-2.06). Subjects in rural practices were more likely than those in urban practices to have experienced violence (OR 3.79, 95% CI 1.15-12.5). Personal experience of violence (OR 35.9, 95% CI 6.24-207) and a perception that violence is increasing (OR 8.33, 95% CI 1.89-36.6) were associated with apprehension regarding violence at work.