Characteristics and Trends of Workplace Violence towards Frontline Health Workers under Comprehensive Interventions in a Chinese Infectious Disease Hospital

Objectives: This study investigated workplace violence (WPV) toward frontline health workers under comprehensive interventions to improve the occupational safety and health management system in a Chinese infectious disease hospital. Methods: The risk assessment of WPV using an international questionnaire was conducted in 2018 and 2021 to compare the perceived levels of exposure to WPV and intervention measures before and after the intensification of anti-violence measures in the hospital context. Additionally, qualitative data were collected in 2021 through semi-structured and unstructured interviews, providing complementary information about WPV toward frontline health workers (HWs). Results: After establishing the occupational safety and health management system (OSHMS), the total incidence rate of WPV decreased from 60.90% in 2018 to 34.44% in 2021. Psychological violence declined significantly from 60.90% in 2018 to 33.89% in 2021. The endorsement of precautionary measures increased significantly from 2018 to 2021, including patient screening recognition, patient protocol, shift or rota changes, etc. A thematic analysis of several subthemes shows that HWs had an in-depth understanding of WPV, recognizing its multifaceted consequences in the context of complex risk factors. Conclusions: This study demonstrates a significant decrease in WPV, psychological violence, verbal abuse, bullying/mobbing, and ethnic discrimination after implementing the comprehensive OSHMS.