OVERVIEW OF VIOLENCE IN THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT

"Workplace Violence & Prevention in New Jersey Hospital Emergency Departments"
(2008). New Jersey Department of Health and Human Services
The study examined workplace violence prevention training and incidents of violent events and subsequent injury among emergency department employees of acute-care hospitals in New Jersey and found that 90% of emergency department nurses reported being verbally abused, nearly one-third assaulted. The majority never reported the incidents.

"The Dark Side of the Job: Violence in the Emergency Department"
(2007) JEN
While 86% of ED nurses report recent violence experienced at work, too many nurses take violence as “part of the job.” Provides overview of organizational positions and describes general scope of the issue

"A Descriptive Study of the Perceptions of Workplace Violence and Safety Strategies of Nurses Working in Level I Trauma Centers"
(2005) JEN
ED nurses are at high risk for exposure to violence. Results of the study indicated that safety measures in the workplace were inadequate including unreliable methods for detecting weapons. ED nurses did not feel safe at work and perceived themselves as being vulnerable to the occurrence of violence.

"Reporting Violence to a Health Care Employer: A Cross-Sectional Study"
(2005) AAOHN Journal
Reporting the incidence of violence is a crucial component in preventing future violence. This study showed that only 57% of physical violence and 40% of non-physical violence were reported. Reporting varied by the type of offender, level of violence and gender.

"Emergency Department Violence Not Uncommon"
(2005) AEM
Although the majority of the violent acts were committed by patients (89%), family members (9%) and other visitors (2%) could also be violent. Drugs and alcohol appeared to be a significant factor in the incidence of violence. Some of the ideas to manage ED violence are: training ED personnel; knowing the clues of potential violence; getting help as quickly as possible when the violence occurs; and winning the administrative support.

 

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