What can we do about occupational violence in emergency departments? A survey of emergency staff.

AIMS

To explore and collate solutions for occupational violence from emergency department (ED) staff.

BACKGROUND

Despite publications highlighting the progressively worsening issue of occupational violence in EDs and its detrimental impacts, few strategies aimed to reduce or manage it have been discussed in the literature.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study involving ED staff. Participants completed an electronic survey that prompted interventions for occupational violence. Free-text data were analysed and logically categorized using validated techniques.

RESULTS

Participants (N = 81) suggested 24 interventions: 12 were classified as prevention strategies, 10 as response strategies and two as recovery strategies. Prevention and response strategies for occupational violence targeted key participants: patients, staff and ED environment. Recovery strategies centred around staff management of the personal impacts of incidences of occupational violence and on systems in place to support them after occupational violence incidents.

CONCLUSION

Solutions to occupational violence should be multifaceted encompassing prevention, response and recovery for patients, staff and the ED environment.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT

No single, universal intervention can be endorsed to reduce or mitigate the impacts of occupational violence in EDs. However, a combination of the interventions (strategies) discussed in this paper can be recommended.