Patient aggression experienced by staff in a New Zealand public hospital setting

Working in a healthcare environment is a known risk factor for violence. Patient aggression towards staff is often present in a hospital setting but the extent, type and variation among various occupations and roles are not known.

This research examines the type and frequency of aggression experienced by healthcare staff, using a previously used measure the POPAS-NZ, which is a short pen and paper survey. Responses were gathered from 227 people working in a single district health board.

Responses showed verbal anger was experienced by 93% of healthcare workers in the previous year and physical aggression was experienced by 65% of respondents. Also, 38% of staff reported experiencing a physical assault in the previous year. When analysed by role it was found that nurses and support staff experienced the greatest number of aggressive incidents compared to doctors and allied health staff. No effects of gender of the healthcare worker were found. Psychiatric units showed greater levels of destructive behaviour and attempted assaults but were similar to other areas of the hospital on all other measures.

These results demonstrate many hospital staff, of all roles and workplaces experience aggression on a frequent basis. Implications for staff training are discussed.