Perpetrator, worker and workplace characteristics associated with patient and visitor perpetrated violence (Type II) on hospital workers: a review of the literature and existing occupational injury data.

PROBLEM: Non-fatal type II violence experienced by hospital workers (patient/visitor-on-worker violence) is not well described. METHODS: Hospital administration data (2004-2009) were examined for purposes of calculating rates of type II violent events experienced by workers. We also conducted a review of the hospital-based literature (2000-2010) and summarized findings associated with type II violence. RESULTS: 484 physical assaults were identified in the data, with a rate of 1.75 events/100 full-time equivalents. Only few details about events were captured, while non-physical events were not captured. The literature yielded 17 studies, with a range proportion of verbal abuse (22%-90%), physical threats (12%-64%) and assaults (2%-32%) reported. The literature lacked rigorous methods for examining incidence and circumstances surrounding events or rates of events over time. DISCUSSION: For purposes of examining the impact of type II violence on worker safety, satisfaction and retention, rigorous surveillance efforts by hospital employers and researchers are warranted.

Duke Scholars

Author Ashley Land Schoenfisch School of Nursing

Author Hester Johnstone Lipscomb Family Medicine and Community Health, Occupational & Environ ...