Workplace Violence in Healthcare Settings: Risk Factors and Protective Strategies

The risk factors and protective strategies associated with workplace violence by patients and visitors against healthcare workers are described. Perpetrator risks factors are patients and visitors having mental health disorders, being under the influence of drugs or alcohol, ineffectively dealing with situational crises, possessing weapons, and being a victim of violence. Worker risk factors are gender, age, years of experience, hours worked, marital status, and previous workplace violence training. Setting/environmental risk factors are the time of day and presence of security cameras. Protective strategies against the negative consequences of workplace violence include carrying a telephone, self-defense, instructing perpetrators to stop their violence, self and social support, and limiting interactions with potential or known perpetrators. Workplace violence is a serious and growing problem and no worker is immune. Strategies need to be in place to prevent workplace violence and manage the negative consequences experienced by healthcare workers following violent events.