Workplace Violence against Health Care Providers in Emergency Departments: an Underrated Problem

Abstract

Background: Staff employed in emergency departments (EDs) in the hospitals are excessively prone to
workplace violence (WPV) in comparison to individuals working in other departments. Such thing lead to
slight or serious injuries to these employees. In addition, it may cause physical injury and disability, low
performance at job, and finally an uncomfortable working setting for the staff.
Materials and methods: A descriptive study was applied to assess the prevalence of WPV and related
factors. This study was conducted at the EDs of four teaching hospitals in Al-Nasiriyah city. Study sample
was drawn from emergency physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and laboratory technicians. Both genders staffs
were included.
Results: The results involved answers from 426 employee in the emergency department. The most reported
form of violence in the staff in the past year in this research was emotional violence, which is reported by
78.5% of the sample, then physical abuse (14.3%) and sexual abuse at last (5.2%).
Conclusion: This study exhibited many findings on a group of WPV cases, in addition to the features and
issues related to exposure to violence. The findings undoubtedly prove the priority of considering this issue
in Iraqi hospitals and the importance to develop urgent and appropriate interventions.