The Effect of Abuse and Mistreatment on Healthcare Providers (TEAM): A Survey Assessing the Prevalence of Aggression From Patients and Their Families and Its Impact. Issue 3 (March 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pinkhasov, Aaron; Filangieri, Carole; Rzeszut, Mary; Wilkenfeld, Marc; Akerman, Meredith; Divers, Jasmin; Oliveras, Jessica; Bostwick, J. Michael; Svoronos, Alexander; Peltier, Morgan R.
• Is Part Of: Journal of occupational and environmental medicine. Volume 64:Issue 3(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-03
• Subjects: clinical setting -- employee health -- health care -- mental health -- workplace violence; Medicine, Industrial -- Periodicals; Environmental health -- Periodicals; Occupational Medicine -- Periodicals; Environmental Medicine -- Periodicals; Environmental health; Medicine, Industrial; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.9803
• DOI: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000002467
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1076-2752

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: Aggression from patients and families on health care providers (HCP) is common yet understudied. We measured its prevalence and impact on HCPs in inpatient and outpatient settings. Methods: Four thousand six hundred seven HCPs employed by a community teaching hospital received an anonymous survey with results analyzed. Results: Of 1609 HCPs (35%) completing the survey, 88% of inpatient staff reported experiencing different types of aggression compared to 82% in outpatient setting. Almost half did not report it to their supervisor. Younger staff were more likely to report abuse. Negative impacts on productivity and patient care were reported. A third of all responders' indicated negative effects on mental health. Conclusions: Despite negative impacts on staff wellbeing and productivity, patient/family aggression toward HCPs is highly prevalent and underreported. Our healthcare system needs measures to address staff security and wellness. Abstract : Workplace violence is prevalent among healthcare workers with nearly half of the incidents going unreported with negative impact on healthcare workers' wellbeing and productivity.