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Center for Patient Safety - Violence Against Health Care Workers

Jun 08, 2018

[From the Center for Patient Safety]

SAFETY ALERT: Violence Against Health Care Workers

Includes:

  • Verbal Threats
  • Hitting
  • Biting
  • Scratching
  • Kicking
  • Stalking
  • Harassment

ACTIONABLE ITEMS TO MITIGATE RISK

  • Review policies and education of staff pertaining to the recognition and de-escalation of hostile and aggressive behavior by patients.
  • Evaluate the need for security personnel and mental health professionals to assist with identification and de-escalation of aggressive behavior.
  • Assess physical work environment to limit/eliminate the possibility of staff working in isolation without escape route in the possibility a patient becomes physically aggressive.

THE CULTURE CONNECTION

  • Ask your staff if they feel comfortable reporting aggressive behavior
  • Encourage staff to use teamwork strategies such as ensuring a second staff member is readily available to assist with procedures where patients have increased risk of becoming aggressive
  • Leadership should evaluate the culture and consider implementing a support system for staff members who feel threatened/intimidated by patients

RESOURCES

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