scholarly journals Workplace Violence in Healthcare: A Single-Center Study on Causes, Consequences and Prevention Strategies

2020 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 31
Author(s):  
Helena Sofia Antão ◽  
Ema Sacadura-Leite ◽  
Maria João Manzano ◽  
Sónia Pinote ◽  
Rui Relvas ◽  
...  

Introduction: Workplace violence is one of the main risk factors in the professional world. Healthcare workers are at higher risk when compared to other sectors. Our study aimed to characterize physical and verbal violence in a public hospital and to define occupational health prevention and surveillance strategies.Material and Methods: Single center observational cross-sectional study, carried amongst healthcare workers in a public hospital in Lisbon. A qualitative survey was carried out through six in-depth interviews. A quantitative survey was carried through questionnaires delivered to 32 workers. A significance level of 5% was accepted in the assessment of statistical differences. The Mann-Whitney test and the Fisher’s exact test were used to calculate p values.Results: The main results are: (1) 41 violence incidents were reported in the quantitative phase; (2) 5/21 [23.81%] victims notified the incident to the occupational health department; (3) 18/21 [85.71%] victims reported a permanent state of hypervigilance; (4) 22/28 [78.57%] participants self-reported poor or no familiarity with internal reporting procedures; (5) 24/28 [85.71%] participants believed it is possible to minimize workplace violence.Discussion: Workplace violence is favored by unrestricted access to working areas, absence of security guards and police officers or scarce intervention. The low notification rate contributes to organizational lack of action. The state of hypervigilance reported in our study reflects the negative effects of threatening occupational stressors on mental health.Conclusion: Our results show that workplace violence is a relevant risk factor that significantly impacts workers’ health in a noxious manner, deserving a tailored occupational health approach whose priority areas and strategies have been determined.

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Nafis Sahiran ◽  
Halimatus Sakdiah Minhat ◽  
Suhainizam Muhamad Saliluddin

PurposeThis study was conducted to determine the percentage and associated factors of workplace violence (WPV) among healthcare workers (HCW) working in the Emergency Departments (ED).Design/methodology/approachA cross-sectional study was conducted among 231 HCW using proportionate stratified random sampling. A validated and reliable self-administered questionnaire was distributed among respondents who fulfilled the eligibility criteria. Only Malaysians with a minimum employment of six months in the ED were included. The data was analysed through Multiple Logistic Regression using International Business Machines Statistical Package for Social Sciences software version 24 to determine the association between the independent variables and WPV. Significance level was set at 0.05 (p = 0.05) at 95% confidence interval (CI).FindingsThe percentage of WPV was 38%, of which 88.9% were psychological violence and were mostly perpetrated by combinations of perpetrator types (51.9%). Those aged 40 years and below, with low job support, and working in a secondary hospital have 5.4 (AOR = 5.366, 95% CI: 1.51–19.05), 2.9 (AOR = 2.871, 95% CI: 1.44–5.73) and 2.7 (AOR = 2.737, 95% CI: 1.50–5.01) times higher odds, respectively, of experiencing WPV.Originality/valueThe findings revealed a relatively high percentage of WPV among the HCW working at the ED with those of younger age with low job support and working in secondary hospitals being more at risk. Early interventions to reduce WPV are necessary in targeting those with identified risks.


Author(s):  
Ali Reza Yusefi ◽  
Reza Faryabi ◽  
Shima Bordbar ◽  
Salman Daneshi ◽  
Parnian Nikmanesh

Background and Purpose: COVID-19 could be a threat to healthcare workers' mental health. This study was conducted to investigate job burnout and its relationship with the resilience level of the personnel in the COVID-19 treatment hospital in southern Iran. Methods: This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in 2021 on 496 personnel of Hazrat Ali Asghar (AS) Hospital selected as the center of COVID-19 in southern Iran. The participants of the study were selected using the census. Data collection tools were the standard Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC). Data analysis was performed using t-test, ANOVA, Pearson correlation coefficient, and multiple linear regression in SPSS23 at a significance level of 0.05. Results: The mean scores of job burnout and resilience were 76.95 ± 14.36 (of 132) and 71.21 ± 8.24 (of 125), respectively which indicated the moderate level of these two variables. There was a significant inverse correlation between job burnout and resilience (P<0.001, r= - 0.514). Spiritual influences (P<0.001), perception of competence (P=0.001), positive acceptance of change and secure relationships (P= 0.001), trust in individual instincts (P= 0.02), and control (P= 0.03) of resilience aspects were identified as predictors of job burnout. Additionally, there was a statistically significant relationship between job burnout and gender (P=0.001) and occupational group (P= 0.04); and between resilience and gender (P= 0.02) and with marital status (P= 0.03). Conclusion: Job burnout status and personnel resilience were at a moderate level. It was recommended to train employees with resilience-enhancing skills employees according to each of their dimensions.


Author(s):  
Beatriz Rosana Gonçalves de Oliveira Toso ◽  
Bruna Regina Bratti Frank Terre ◽  
Ana Cristina de Oliveira e Silva ◽  
Elucir Gir ◽  
Juliano de Souza Caliari ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective: To identify factors associated with the adoption of non-pharmacological preventive measures against covid-19 by healthcare workers within their families. Method: This is an analytical cross-sectional study carried out from October 1st to December 31st, 2020, with 11,513 healthcare workers in Brazil. Data collection through a virtual questionnaire on the platform Survey Monkey. To characterize the participants, descriptive statistical analysis was used with measures of absolute and relative frequency. Using inferential statistics, independent variables and outcome were compared, with hypothesis tests for association (chi-square, Fisher’s exact test), logistic regression, and Woe analysis. A significance level of 95% was used. Results: Most workers used measures such as hand hygiene, environmental sanitation, food hygiene, use of fabric masks, and physical distancing from family members. The association among variables was significant for the region, especially the South region, female sex, and nursing professionals. Conclusion: Healthcare workers adopt preventive measures against covid-19 within family life, especially the women and nursing professionals, with family isolation being the measure of greatest adherence.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Arinze D.G. Nwosu ◽  
Edmund Ossai ◽  
Okechukwu Onwuasoigwe ◽  
Maureen Ezeigweneme ◽  
Jude Okpamen

Background: Burnout and presenteeism are two emerging occupational health challenges which share same locus among healthcare workers, and the trend is rising. We aim to define the magnitude of burnout and presenteeism among frontline members of the health workforce and explore any correlation between the two in order to provide empirical data from our socioeconomic and geographical background. Design and Methods: We used self-administered questionnaire to conduct a cross-sectional study among the physicians and nurses in a regional trauma centre in Enugu, Eastern Nigeria; with the respondents selected by stratified random sampling. The Oldenburg burnout inventory and Stanford presenteeism scale were used to measure burnout and presenteeism respectively, while the 2-item patient-health questionnaire (PHQ-2) was used to screen for depression. The level of statistical significance was determined by a p value of <0.05.Results: Among the healthcare workers surveyed (n=155); 34 (21.9%) were physicians, while 121 (78.1%) were nurses. Burnout prevalence was 69%. Burnout was associated with self-rated health status and length of years in professional service but not the occupation or depression screen status of the worker. Sixty-two healthcare workers (40%) screened positive for depression. A positive screen for depression was the only factor that had significant association with lower presenteeism scores (p=0.002). The mean presenteeism scores had strong negative correlation with both the exhaustion (p<0.001) and disengagement (p<0.001) domains of burnout.Conclusion: Burnout is high among the healthcare workers and correlates with presenteeism scores. The mental health of the workforce greatly impaired their productivity.


Revista CEFAC ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudia Giglio de Oliveira Gonçalves ◽  
Fabiane Rodrigues dos Santos ◽  
Lucas Schmidt ◽  
Jair Mendes Marques

ABSTRACT Objective: to characterize speech-language pathologists/audiologists and their interventions in the occupational health area, regarding the Hearing Prevention Program (HPP). Methods: a cross-sectional, quantitative study with 74 speech-language pathologists/audiologists from several regions of Brazil, working in the areas of Occupational Health and Audiology. The participants answered a questionnaire on their professional and educational profile, as well as on their work related to the HCP components. For data analysis, statistical procedures were used (Chi-Square Test and the test of difference in proportions, at the significance level of 0.05 - 5%), in relation to the variables of gender, age, job position, time since their graduation and academic training in occupational safety and health. Results: the speech-language pathologists/audiologists, mostly women, who reported performing the HPP, were older than 30 years, had specific postgraduate courses, but still had doubts about the Program implementation, they worked for companies with over 1,000 employees, disregarding their employment status, performing interventions, such as: hearing management and guidance on the correct use of ear protectors. Conclusion: a high number of speech-language pathologists in the Occupational Health area have not developed a complete hearing conservation program to this date.


Author(s):  
Akshaya Srikanth Bhagavathula ◽  
Wafa Ali Aldhaleei ◽  
Jamal Rahmani ◽  
Mohammadjavad Ashrafi Mahabadi ◽  
Deepak Kumar Bandari

AbstractBackgroundDuring the first week of March, the surge of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases reached over 100 countries with more than 100,000 cases. Healthcare authorities have already initiated awareness and preparedness activities beyond borders. A poor understanding of the disease among healthcare workers (HCWs) may result in delayed treatment and the rapid spread of infection. This study aimed to investigate the knowledge and perceptions of HCWs about COVID-19.MethodsA cross-sectional, web-based study was conducted among HCWs about COVID-19 during the first week of March 2020. A 23-item survey instrument was developed and distributed randomly to HCWs using social media; it required 5 minutes to complete. A chi-square test was used to investigate the level of association among variables at the significance level of p<0.05.ResultsOf 529 participants, a total of 453 HCWs completed the survey (response rate: 85.6%); 51.6% were males, 32.1% were aged 25-34 years, and most were doctors (30.2%) and medical students (29.6%). Regarding COVID-19, most of the participants used social media to obtain information (61%), and a significant proportion of HCWs had poor knowledge of its transmission (61%) and symptom onset (63.6%) and showed positive perceptions of COVID-19 prevention and control. Factors such as age and profession were associated with inadequate knowledge and poor perception of COVID-19.ConclusionAs the global threat of COVID-19 continues to emerge, it is critical to improve the knowledge and perceptions of HCWs. Educational interventions are urgently needed to reach HCWs beyond borders, and further studies are warranted.


Author(s):  
Alsheikh GYM ◽  
◽  
Bin-Ghouth AS ◽  
Al-Ammary SS ◽  
Alhaddadi AAS ◽  
...  

Background: Occupational health is a neglected public health issue among healthcare workers in developing countries like Yemen and they may expose them to various forms of hazards, which have had negative consequences on their wellbeing and performance at work. Objective: The study aims at exploring the forms of occupational health hazards prevalence and methods to mitigate these hazards among Health Care Workers (HCW) in governmental hospitals in Mukalla city. Methods: It is a cross-sectional study conducted among health workers in the main hospitals in Mukalla city in Hadhramout province in eastern Yemen. The sample size is calculated statistically as 366 workers from different categories including doctors, nurses and lab technicians. A sample of 391 workers were selected randomly who were distributed to be representative and proportional to the size of each professional category. Results: The prevalence of biological hazards among the healthcare workers accounted for 298 (76%) whereas the non-biological hazards accounted for 306 (78%). The most prevalent biological hazards are needle prick injury (80%) followed by exposure to contact with contaminated material (75%), while the most frequent non-biological hazards are back pain (79%) followed by extra-time work (72%). In logistic regression age, gender and duration of work and professional category have significant association with exposure of health workers to biological hazards while only gender is the only variable associated with non-biological hazards. Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of occupational hazards (biological and non-biological) among health workers in hospitals of Mukalla city. A prevention and infection control and patient safety programs are highly recommended in Mukalla hospitals to save health workers and patients.


2003 ◽  
Vol 24 (11) ◽  
pp. 821-824 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bryan J. Marsh ◽  
Joshua San Vicente ◽  
C. Fordham von Reyn

AbstractObjective:To define the utility of 10- to 14-mm reactions to a Mycobacterium tuberculosis purified protein derivative (PPD) skin test for healthcare workers (HCWs).Design:Blinded dual skin testing, using PPD and M. avium sensitin, of HCWs at a single medical center who had a 10-to 14-mm reaction to PPD when tested by personnel from the Occupational Health Department as part of routine annual screening.Setting:A single tertiary-care academic medical center.Participants:Employees of the medical center who underwent routine annual PPD screening and were identified by the Occupational Health Department as having a reaction of 10 to 14 mm to PPD.Results:Nineteen employees were identified as candidates and 11 underwent dual skin testing. Only 4 (36%) had repeat results for PPD in the 10- to 14-mm range, whether read by Occupational Health Department personnel or study investigators. For only 5 (45%) of the subjects did the Occupational Health Department personnel and study investigators concur (± 3 mm) on the size of the PPD reaction. Two of the 4 subjects with reactions of 10 to 14 mm as measured by the study investigators were M. avium sensitin dominant, 1 was PPD dominant, and 1 was nondominant.Conclusion:A reaction of 10 to 14 mm to PPD should not be used as an indication for the treatment of latent tuberculosis (TB) infection in healthy HCWs born in the United States with no known exposure to TB.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Luís Mendonça-Galaio ◽  
Ema Sacadura-Leite ◽  
João Raposo ◽  
Diana França ◽  
Ana Correia ◽  
...  

As with the SARS-CoV-1 outbreak in 2003–2004 and the MERS outbreak in 2012, there were early reports of frequent transmission to healthcare workers (HCW) in the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Our hospital center identified its first COVID-19 confirmed case on March 9, 2020, in a 6-day hospitalized patient. The first confirmed COVID-19 case in a HCW happened 3 days later, in a nurse with a probable epidemiological link related to the first confirmed patient. Our study’s first objective is to describe and characterize the impact of the first 3 months of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on the Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte (CHULN). Our second objective is to report the performance of the CHULN Occupational Health Department (OHD) and the impact of the pandemic on CHULN HCW and its adaptation across national, regional, and institutional epidemiological evolution. Over the first 3 months, 2,152 HCW were screened (which represent 29.8% of the total HCW population), grouped in 100 separate identifiable clusters, each one ranging from 2 to 98 HCW. The most prevalent profession screened were nurses (<i>n</i> = 800; 37.2%) followed by doctors (<i>n</i> = 634; 29.5%). The main source of potential infection and cluster generating screening procedures was co-worker related (<i>n</i> = 1,216; 56.5%). A patient source or a combined patient co-worker source was only accountable for 559 (26%) and 43 (2%) of cases, respectively. Our preliminary results demonstrate a lower infection rate among HCW than the ones commonly found in the literature. The main source of infection seemed to be co-worker related rather than patient related. New preventive strategies would have to be implemented in order to control SARS-CoV-2 spread.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Munther Saeedi ◽  
Nihad Al-Othman ◽  
Maha Rabayaa

Background. Workplace violence is a common issue worldwide that strikes all professions, and healthcare is one of the most susceptible ones. Verbal and nonverbal miscommunications between healthcare workers and patients are major inducers for violent attacks. Aim. To study the potential impact of verbal and nonverbal miscommunications between the patients and healthcare workers upon workplace violence from the patients’ perspectives. Methods. A descriptive cross-sectional study was performed from November to December 2020. Patients and previously hospitalized patients were asked to complete a self-reported questionnaire that involved items of verbal and nonverbal miscommunication. With the use of a suitable available sample composed of 550 participants, 505 had completed the questionnaire and were included in the study. The data were analyzed by using SPSS version 22 software. Results. 7.2% of the study population reported participating in nonverbal violence and 19.6% participated in verbal violence against healthcare workers. The nonverbal and verbal violence was characteristically displayed by the patients who are male, younger than 30 years old, and bachelor’s degree holders. The results of the study demonstrated that the verbal and nonverbal miscommunications between the patients and healthcare workers were the major factors in provoking violent responses from patients. Factors, such as age, gender, and level of education, were significant indicators of the type of patients who were more likely to respond with violence. Conclusion. Workplace violence, either verbal or nonverbal, in the health sector is a public health concern in Palestine. The verbal and nonverbal communication skills of healthcare workers should be developed well enough to overcome the effect of miscommunication provoking violent acts from patients and their relatives as well.


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