Violence And The US Health Care Sector: Burden And Response

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Services Research
• Trauma Care

Background:

• Violence poses a significant burden on the US healthcare sector, encompassing victim care, prevention of harm to healthcare professionals, and community safety.
• In 2017, violence led to approximately 2.3 million emergency department visits and 376,500 hospitalizations, with an estimated medical cost of $8.7 billion.
• Healthcare workers face the highest rates of workplace violent injuries in the US, incurring substantial costs for treatment and prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the substantial financial and operational impact of violence on the US healthcare system.
• To review the current strategies and interventions employed by health systems to prevent violence.
• To emphasize the role of community health needs assessments in prioritizing violence prevention.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of national statistics on emergency department visits and hospitalizations due to violence.
• Review of data on workplace violence injuries among healthcare workers.
• Examination of violence screening and intervention programs implemented in various clinical settings.

Main Results:

• Violence generated an estimated $8.7 billion in medical costs in 2017, with 2.3 million ED visits and 376,500 hospitalizations.
• Healthcare workers experience workplace violence at rates significantly higher than other industries (7.8 per 1,000 workers).
• Health systems are actively implementing violence prevention strategies, including firearm access interventions, across diverse care settings.

Conclusions:

• Violence represents a major public health crisis with profound implications for healthcare delivery and costs in the US.
• Proactive screening and intervention programs within healthcare settings are crucial for mitigating violence and its consequences.
• Integrating violence prevention into community health priorities is essential for improving patient and healthcare worker safety.