Violence against physicians

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Public Health
• Occupational Safety

Background:

• Workplace violence in healthcare settings is a growing concern.
• Internists, including residents and attending physicians, are at risk.
• Understanding the incidence and characteristics of violence is crucial for prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the frequency of violence experienced by internal medicine physicians.
• To identify the types of violence and circumstances surrounding these events.
• To explore the patient populations most frequently associated with violent incidents.

Main Methods:

• A survey was conducted among 100 internal medicine residents and attending physicians at a tertiary care center.
• Participants reported experiences of assault or battery by patients or their relatives.
• Data collected included the timing, nature, severity, and context of violent episodes.

Main Results:

• A 63% response rate was achieved, with 63 physicians returning questionnaires.
• 16% of respondents reported being battered, and 41% reported being assaulted.
• The majority of violent episodes (54%) involved intoxicated patients or those with psychiatric histories; no injuries were reported.

Conclusions:

• Violence against internal medicine physicians is a significant issue.
• Intoxicated patients and those with psychiatric conditions are frequently implicated in violent incidents.
• Further research is needed to develop effective prevention strategies.