Violence experiences and solution approaches healthcare workers in emergency department

Gürdap Z., Komurkara S., Cengiz Z.

Medicine Science, cilt.13, sa.3, ss.527-536, 2024 (Hakemli Dergi)

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 13 Sayı: 3
  • Basım Tarihi: 2024
  • Doi Numarası: 10.5455/medscience.2024.05.045
  • Dergi Adı: Medicine Science
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: TR DİZİN (ULAKBİM)
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.527-536
  • İnönü Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

The study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of violence against healthcare workers in emergency departments and identify solution approaches. The research, utilizing a descriptive design, was conducted with 149 health workers employed in the emergency units of a research hospital. Data were collected using a survey form constructed based on the literature. Participants' 92.6% experienced some form of violence, with 92.8% of these individuals subjected to verbal abuse. The main causes of violence were identified as the perpetrator justifying their behaviour (42.0%), refusal of requests such as prescriptions or reports (50.0%), and dissatisfaction with treatment (41.3%). 40.6% of health workers filed a code white report, and 36.2% stated that no action was taken against the aggressor.83.9% of health workers indicated that legislation, 70.5% code white, and 55.0% reported inadequate security measures. Health workers suggested implementing deterrent penalties (18.1%) and increasing security measures (17.4%) to reduce violence. A significant difference was found between professional experience and exposure to violence, as well as the types of violence encountered. Additionally, an important significant difference was identified between the profession and the gender of the perpetrator of violence. While physicians and other professional groups are generally subjected to violence by men, nurses and midwives experience violence from both women and men, as well as both genders together (p<0.05). The study found that emergency department health workers face high rates of violence and existing measures are inadequate. In this context, it is recommended to review existing legal regulations, ensure continuous and visible security, and enhance the effectiveness of code white protocols.