Work Related Violence As A Predictor Of Stress And Correlated Disorders In Emergency Department Healthcare...

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Emergency Medicine
• Psychology

Background:

• Workplace violence is a significant issue in emergency departments.
• Healthcare workers face aggression from patients and their relatives.
• This violence can lead to stress and related health issues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the frequency, types, causes, and consequences of violence against emergency department (ED) workers.
• To determine if workplace violence is a risk factor for stress and related pathologies in ED healthcare workers.
• To propose an intervention model for preventing and managing workplace violence and stress.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional retrospective study involving 323 healthcare workers in an emergency department and psychiatric service.
• Data collected via self-designed questionnaires (Health Violence Questionnaire - QVS, Workers' Stress Perception Questionnaire - SPQR) and individual interviews.
• Study conducted in Rome, Italy, between June 2016 and February 2017.

Main Results:

• 87% of ED healthcare workers experienced workplace violence from patients or relatives.
• Over half reported emotional consequences, particularly female staff and those with frequent incidents.
• One-third reported lifestyle changes (increased substance use, sleep disturbances, social isolation), and over one-third reported health impacts, especially female workers. Distress correlated with frequent violence.
• Lack of administrative support was a barrier to reporting.

Conclusions:

• Workplace violence against ED professionals is prevalent and linked to gender, qualifications, role, and work setting.
• Violence negatively affects lifestyle, work habits, well-being, and health.
• Effective prevention requires commitment from hospital administration, ED management, and security, alongside integrated interventions (individual, organizational, situational) and support strategies for victims.