Overall Description and Predictors of Disruptive Behavior Toward Nurses in the Perioperative Arena

To investigate the prevalence, characteristics, causes, consequences, and predictors of and responses to disruptive behavior toward nurses in the perioperative arena.

A cross-sectional design using a network questionnaire platform.

Nurses in the perioperative arena were recruited online in March 2020. Data on disruptive behavior toward nurses in the past 6 months and nurses' sociodemographic and environmental factors were collected.

Nurses (N = 496) responded validly to the survey. In total, 82.1% of participants experienced disruptive behavior. Assignment of overwhelming workloads and verbal aggression were the most common behaviors, and surgeons were the major perpetrators. Perpetrators' intrapersonal issues were the most commonly perceived causes. A positive strategy was the most common strategy adopted by participants. Further, 80.8% of participants recounted their negative experiences, and more than half of respondents (59.9%) talked with their nursing colleagues. Nearly half of respondents (45.9%) did not report disruptive behavior. Negative emotions as an immediate effect were reported by 53.1% of the participants, and the most common long-term impact was decreased passion for work. Middle age, job position, practice environment, and system help were risk factors for experiencing disruptive behavior.

The prevalence of disruptive behavior toward nurses in the perioperative arena is high, and its ramifications should not be ignored. Health care institutions should urgently implement intervention strategies to reduce disruptive behavior toward nurses.