Violence towards Emergency Nurses: The 2016 Italian National Survey-A cross-sectional study

To analyse the dimensions and characteristics of violence towards Emergency nurses in a national context (Italy).

Nurses are the most exposed to workplace violence, especially in Emergency Department contexts.

A cross-sectional study was conducted in all Italian regions. Descriptive analyses were used to examine violence from patients and relatives (Type II violence) concerning personal characteristics of the Emergency nurses and perpetrators, environmental and organisational factors. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was used to investigate risk factors.

About 76.0% of Emergency nurses experienced verbal violence, 15.5% both verbal and physical violence and only 8.5% denied having experienced either. Older age and more experience in Emergency settings are protective factors. Working in the South of Italy significantly increases the probability of being exposed.

There are many factors explaining violence, but some correlations are not clear.

Factors that have a positive effect on this problem include: specific training for younger nurses, a strong alliance between users and health personnel to restore a relationship of trust between parties, physical barriers and appropriate architectural measures.

Comprehensive approaches can represent an effective strategy to counteract workplace violence.