J Nurs Adm. 2024 Sep 1;54(9):479-487. doi: 10.1097/NNA.0000000000001464.

ABSTRACT

AIM: To describe and compare the prevalence of assaults and aggressive patient behavior among frontline staff in behavioral health (BH), medical-surgical (MS), and emergency department (ED) settings and examine the impact on staff health, work stress, work engagement, and intent to leave their position.

BACKGROUND: Patient verbal and physical assaults have significant staff consequences, including decreased work productivity, increased burnout, job dissatisfaction, absenteeism, turnover, and intentions to leave.

METHODS: Using a descriptive cross-sectional design, data were collected from a sample of 432 frontline staff working in ED, BH, and MS settings across 3 healthcare systems.

RESULTS: The majority of frontline staff (74%) reported experiencing verbal aggression often/frequently, significantly impacting their mental health, work engagement, stress levels, and intent to leave. All 3 specialty groups reported a significant increase in verbal/psychological assaults and physical assaults since the pandemic’s onset.

CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on assaultive/aggressive behaviors. Nurse leaders must strategize on methods to decrease the normalization of violence against healthcare workers and support research aimed at evidence-based interventions to reduce such incidences of violence and ensure the well-being of healthcare workers.

PMID:39166810 | DOI:10.1097/NNA.0000000000001464