Workplace violence towards healthcare workers in Norwegian psychiatric inpatient units: a cross-sectional study

Workplace violence towards healthcare workers is increasing worldwide, with significant consequences for the healthcare worker, healthcare organization, and the quality of care. Healthcare workers in psychiatric inpatient units are particularly exposed, as the frequency and severity of violence is high. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of workplace violence towards healthcare workers in psychiatric inpatient units in Norway and the rate of formal reporting of such incidents.

A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based survey was conducted among healthcare workers across ten psychiatric inpatient units in Norway. The survey investigated the 12-month prevalence of workplace violence towards healthcare workers and the extent of formal reporting by type and severity.

A total of 237 (36%) healthcare workers completed the questionnaire. The overall 12-month prevalence of workplace violence from patients was 93%, with 91% of respondents reported being exposed to threats and 80% to violence. The median formal reporting rate was 7% (IQR 0-50) for threats, 40% (IQR 1-69) for violence without injury, and 70% (IQR 20-100) for violence resulting in injury. Formal reporting was generally regarded as important and not perceived as a professional defeat, but it was not seen as leading to change.

This study confirmed a high prevalence of workplace violence in Norwegian psychiatric inpatient units, with the majority of incidents not formally reported.