Workplace Violence against Hospital and Health Workers | Business Coaching & Consulting

My daughter came to me in the sitting room and asked me whether I had seen the trending News about the Medical doctor murdered in Delta State, South-South, Nigeria. I solemnly nodded in acknowledgement. A young medical doctor in a private medical practice had been murdered by relatives of a patient who allegedly died of gunshot injuries as he managed the patient in his hospital. My daughter was understandably agitated. She is in her final year in the medical school.

The social media were filled with the story. Medical doctors’ social media groups were on fire as doctors expressed anger and frustrations at what they believe is a lack of appreciation of their sacrifices. A lot more was happening on social media too. Some people were gleeful at the disaster, promising to take similar actions in future because of their frustrations with the healthcare system. The problem has become endemic. You could say it is at an all time high.

Let us take a peek into the issue.

I.Causes of Violence Against Hospital Workers

1. Unsafe Working Environment: Hospital workers may experience violence due to an unsafe working environment. Poor lighting, overcrowding, inadequate staffing, and inadequate security can all contribute to an environment in which violence is more likely to occur.
2. Lack of Training: Hospital workers may not have received adequate training on how to handle violent situations. Without proper training, workers may not know how to de-escalate a situation or protect themselves from harm.
3. Frustration: Patients and visitors may become frustrated and lash out if they feel their needs are not being met in a timely manner. This frustration can lead to violence against hospital workers.
4. Mental Illness: Many people with mental illness may become agitated and violent if they are not receiving the care they need. If a patient or visitor is suffering from a mental illness, it can put hospital workers at risk for violence.
5. Substance Abuse: People who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol may be more likely to become violent. Drug and alcohol use can impair judgement and increase aggression.
6. Prejudice: Prejudice and discrimination can be a major factor in violence against hospital workers. If a patient or visitor feels they have been treated unfairly, they are more likely to take out their frustration on the staff they can lay their hands on.
7. Stress: Stress can be a major factor in violence against hospital workers. Patients who are under a lot of stress or are feeling overwhelmed may act out in violent ways.

II Types of Violence Against Hospital Workers

1. Physical violence: This type of violence involves physical contact and can range from pushing, shoving, and grabbing to hitting, punching, and even using weapons.
2. Sexual violence: This type of violence can include sexual harassment, unwanted sexual attention, and rape.
3. Verbal violence: This type of violence includes the use of threatening or abusive language, insults, intimidation, and coercion.
4. Psychological violence: This type of violence includes emotional abuse such as humiliation, bullying, and manipulation.
5. Financial violence: This type of violence includes the misappropriation of funds or property from hospital staff.
6. Cyber violence: This type of violence includes cyber-bullying, online stalking, and the dissemination of confidential information.
7. Inadequate security: Lack of adequate security in hospitals can lead to violence against hospital workers. If patients feel they can get away with acting out, they may be more likely to do so.
8. Personality disorders: Patients with personality disorders may be prone to aggressive behavior and may be more likely to lash out at hospital workers.

III. Effects of Violence Against Hospital Workers 

Violence against hospital workers can have devastating effects that can disrupt the functioning of the healthcare system. Hospital workers that experience violence can suffer from physical, psychological, and emotional harm, which can negatively impact their ability to perform their job. 

In addition, violence can cause workers to experience fear, anxiety, and stress, which can lead to decreased job satisfaction and morale. This can lead to reduced productivity, increased absenteeism, and a decrease in the quality of care that is provided to patients. 

Violence can also lead to increased costs for both the hospital and the patient, as hospital staff must take extra precautions to ensure safety and security. 

Finally, violence can lead to a decrease in the number of hospital workers willing to take on the job, resulting in a lack of resources and a resulting decrease in the quality of care provided.

IV. Effective Prevention of Violence Against Hospital Workers 

1. Establish a Zero-Tolerance Policy: Establish a zero-tolerance policy for any type of violence or aggressive behavior against hospital workers. Clearly define the consequences for any type of violent behavior and make sure to enforce the policy.

2. Provide Training: Provide training to hospital staff on how to identify potential threats and how to respond to them effectively. This can include de-escalation techniques, safety protocols, and how to report any incidents.

3. Improve Security Measures: Improve security measures in and around the hospital to ensure that workers feel safe and secure while on the job. This can include installing security cameras, hiring security guards, and using access cards to control access to certain areas.

6. Ensure Adequate Staffing: Make sure to have adequate staffing levels so that hospital workers do not feel overwhelmed and are able to focus on providing quality care for patients. 
7. Establish a Support System: Establish a support system for hospital workers who experience violence or aggression. This can include having a hotline for workers to call if they are feeling threatened or providing counseling services for those who have been victims of violence.
8. Address the Root Cause of violence and deal with it.

V. Helpful Resources for Hospital Workers Experiencing Violence 

1. OSHA Guidelines for Preventing Workplace Violence: This document outlines key steps employers can take to protect hospital workers from workplace violence. These steps include developing a workplace violence prevention program, creating policies to address workplace violence, and training employees on how to respond to workplace violence. 
2. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH): NIOSH offers a variety of resources to help hospitals protect their workers from violence. These resources include information and research on preventing workplace violence, guidelines for developing effective workplace violence prevention programs, and case studies of workplace violence prevention programs. 
3. American Hospital Association’s Guide to Preventing and Managing Workplace Violence: This guide offers hospitals guidance on developing effective workplace violence prevention programs, assessing and responding to violent incidents, and providing support for employees affected by violence. 
4. National Center for Victims of Crime: This organization provides a range of resources for victims of violence, including information about the effects of violence and how to access support services. 
5. American Nurses Association’s Toolkit for Responding to Workplace Violence: This toolkit provides nurses with information about recognizing the signs of potential workplace violence, responding to violent incidents, and accessing support services.

VI. Lack of Helpful Resources for Hospital Workers Experiencing Violence in Nigeria

Nigeria is home to some of the most overcrowded and under-resourced hospitals in the world. As a result, there is a lack of helpful resources for hospital workers who experience violence in the workplace. This is especially true for healthcare workers in rural and remote areas, where the situation is even more dire. 

Violence against hospital workers in Nigeria is a serious problem. A survey conducted in 2017 found that at least one in six Nigerian healthcare workers had experienced physical violence in the last two years. 

Additionally, verbal abuse, sexual harassment, and threats were also reported. Unfortunately, there are very few resources available to help healthcare workers in Nigeria who experience violence. 

Most hospitals do not have sufficient staff to provide psychological support to hospital workers who have been subjected to violence. There are also very few government initiatives in place to support victims of violence. 

The Nigerian government needs to take more action to provide resources to healthcare workers who experience violence. This could include training on how to handle violent situations, providing better security for hospital staff, and establishing support networks for victims of violence. In addition, the government should provide more funding to hospitals so that they can recruit more staff and provide better psychological support services

The peculiarity of the Nigerian situation is accentuated by poverty. Schemes to reduce poverty will augment other measures. I teach people how to start and scale Digital businesses. Visit our Homepage and sign up for a digital course.

We encourage active participation in community protection and personalized care.