Occupational violence in health care: A systematic review

In recent years, healthcare environments have witnessed an increase in incidents of violence, often attributed to dissatisfaction with the quality of services provided or with the manner in which care is delivered during healthcare assistance. In the quest to find a theoretical basis for this observation, a systematic review was conducted over the past 5 years, and the literature indicates that this phenomenon is particularly pronounced in the aggression directed towards nurses and physicians. Regardless of geographical location, there is a higher prevalence of violent incidents in environments where interaction and collaboration between patients and healthcare professionals are essential. These aggressive and violent behaviors encompass a variety of deliberate actions that are often misconstrued and perceived as entitlements by patients in a state of illness. Although physical violence is conspicuous due to the visible marks it leaves, psychological aggression is the most commonly reported form of violence by nurses and doctors. Unfortunately, verbal violence often goes unnoticed and is inadequately quantified. Continuous exposure to violence poses a significant threat and risk factor to all healthcare professionals, making it essential to address and mitigate this issue to ensure a safe and healthy working environment for all involved in healthcare delivery.