Abstract

Nagina Abid*, Sonia Yasin and Kainat Yasin

ABSTRACT

Background: Emergency department (ED) workplace violence is increasingly recognized as an important issue for ED providers. Most studies have occurred in developed countries with established laws and repercussions for violence against healthcare providers. There is a paucity of data on workplace violence against ED providers in less developed countries. Aim of study: To explore the frequency of violence by patients and accompanying relatives and determinants of burnout among emergency healthcare workers working at emergency departments. Methodology: In this cross-sectional study, healthcare professionals of Emergency and Acute Medicine were surveyed. The investigation of risk factors, particularly experiences of verbal and physical violence, as well as exhaustion and stress, was carried out. Results: A total of 349 staff from emergency departments took part in the survey, 87% of whom had experienced physical violence by patients and 64% by relatives. 97% had been confronted with verbal violence by patients and 94% by relatives. Violence by relatives had a negative effect on perceived stress. High resilience or effective preparation of employees for potential attacks was shown to have a protective effect with regard to the burnout risk and perceived stress. Therefore, management staff play a major role in preventing violence and its impact on employees.