Ng Kris, Yeung Joanne, Cheung Ivy, Chung Andrew, White Peter
Department of Health Technology and Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong.
J Occup Health. 2009;51(4):355-63. doi: 10.1539/joh.o8021. Epub 2009 Jun 1.
This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of workplace violence involving radiographers in Hong Kong, to evaluate underlying factors contributing to incidents and their impact, and to suggest improvements in management and training.
Frontline radiographers, from seven regional hospitals, who performed duties in general radiography, were provided with a workplace violence questionnaire. General radiography refers to plain film X-ray services in general rooms (including out patient clinics), A&E and portable services on wards. Materials relating to workplace violence, for example guidelines and training information, were provided by hospital managers.
Out of 281 questionnaires, 150 were returned (response rate of 53%). Sixty-one percent of radiographers had experienced violence in the past 3 yr and 34% of victims had encountered incidents more than 5 times. From respondents who had experienced abuse, verbal abuse (97%) was most frequently reported, and the predominant source of violence was patients (p<0.0001). Respondents identified long waiting times, communication issues and understaffing as key risk factors. The Accident & Emergency Department was the highest risk area (p<0.0001). Almost two thirds (65.91%) of radiographers who experienced verbal abuse ignored events. Although no severe injury was reported, indirect impact, including increased work stress, job dissatisfaction, depression and increased sick leave, were highlighted as negative consequences of violence. 77% of respondents felt that support from departments was inadequate and only 11% had attended courses on prevention of occupational violence.
Workplace violence is a critical problem in Hong Kong. Further research is recommended to investigate the problem.
本研究旨在估计香港放射技师遭受工作场所暴力的发生率，评估导致暴力事件的潜在因素及其影响，并提出管理和培训方面的改进建议。
向来自七家区域医院、从事普通放射摄影工作的一线放射技师发放工作场所暴力调查问卷。普通放射摄影是指普通房间（包括门诊诊所）、急诊科的普通X线片检查服务以及病房的床边X线检查服务。医院管理人员提供了与工作场所暴力相关的材料，例如指南和培训信息。
在281份问卷中，回收了150份（回复率为53%）。61%的放射技师在过去3年中曾遭受暴力，34%的受害者遭遇暴力事件超过5次。在有过受虐经历的受访者中，言语虐待的报告最为频繁（97%），暴力的主要来源是患者（p<0.0001）。受访者将等待时间过长、沟通问题和人员不足确定为关键风险因素。急诊科是风险最高的区域（p<0.0001）。近三分之二（65.91%）遭受言语虐待的放射技师对这些事件选择忽视。尽管没有报告严重伤害，但暴力的间接影响，包括工作压力增加、工作满意度下降、抑郁和病假增加，被强调为负面后果。77%的受访者认为部门提供的支持不足，只有11%的人参加过预防职业暴力的课程。
工作场所暴力在香港是一个严重问题。建议进一步开展研究以调查该问题。
