Workplace Violence Interventions Used by Home Healthcare Workers: An Integrative Review

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Public Health
• Nursing Research

Background:

• Workplace violence (WPV) is a significant occupational hazard for home healthcare workers (HHCWs).
• HHCWs face unique risks due to working in patient homes and communities.
• Existing literature lacks a comprehensive review of WPV interventions specific to HHCWs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct an integrative review of interventions used by HHCWs to prevent and mitigate workplace violence.
• To identify and categorize existing WPV interventions based on WPV type.
• To highlight gaps in current WPV intervention strategies for HHCWs.

Main Methods:

• An integrative review methodology was employed, synthesizing experimental and non-experimental research.
• A systematic search identified 17 articles detailing interventions for HHCWs.
• Interventions were categorized according to the type of workplace violence (Type I-IV).

Main Results:

• Interventions are available for Type I and II WPV, but are minimal for Type III and obsolete for Type IV.
• Safety and health training significantly enhanced HHCWs' confidence and knowledge regarding WPV prevention.
• Evidence supports the effectiveness of safety and health training in promoting a safer work environment and reducing WPV incidents.

Conclusions:

• Safety and health training are crucial for empowering HHCWs against WPV.
• There is a critical need for developing and implementing effective interventions for Type III and IV WPV.
• This review addresses a gap in the literature, providing a foundation for future research and practice in HHCW safety.