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[Assaults on professionals in healthcare settings]
Carolina Travetto1, Nadia Daciuk1, Susana Fernández1
1Instituto Grupo de Estudio, Docencia e Investigación Clínica, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Summary
Violence against health workers is frequent, with over two-thirds experiencing assaults. This study highlights the need for prevention strategies to address workplace violence and its consequences.
Area of Science:
- Medical Sociology
- Occupational Health
- Healthcare Management
Background:
- Workplace violence against healthcare professionals is a significant global concern.
- Understanding the prevalence and contributing factors is crucial for developing effective interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency of assaults on health workers.
- To characterize aspects influencing assaults to inform prevention strategies.
Main Methods:
- A voluntary, confidential electronic survey was distributed to health professionals via the IntraMed website.
- Analysis included assault frequency, types (verbal/physical), triggers, aggressor characteristics, consequences, and proposed solutions.
Main Results:
- Over 19,900 surveys analyzed; 66.7% reported assaults.
- Physical assaults occurred in 11.3%, often in public emergency areas; delayed care and resource shortages were key triggers.
- Aggressors showed intoxication (13.8%), altered mental status (13.9%), or no impairment (63%).
- 16.9% of attacked professionals experienced sequelae (7.9% physical); 28% were temporarily unable to work.
- 46.6% felt workplace insecurity, suggesting community education as a primary preventive measure.
Conclusions:
- Verbal and physical violence against health workers is common, leading to significant physical, mental, and work-related sequelae.
- Findings provide critical data for developing targeted prevention and control strategies for healthcare workplace assaults.