Skip to main content
Article
Occupational and Demographic Factors Associated with Violence in the Emergency Department
Advanced Emergency Nursing Journal
  • Donna Gates
  • Gordon Gillespie
  • Terry Kowalenko
  • Paul Succop
  • Maria Sanker
  • Sharon Farra, Wright State University - Main Campus
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2011
Abstract

Violence against health care workers is a serious and growing problem. The objectives of this cross-sectional study were to (a) describe the frequency of workplace violence (WPV) against emergency department (ED) workers; (b) identify demographic and occupational characteristics related to WPV; and (c) identify demographic and occupational characteristics related to feelings of safety and level of confidence when dealing with WPV. Survey data were collected from 213 workers at 6 hospital EDs. Verbal and physical violence was prevalent in all 6 EDs. There were no statistically significant differences in the frequency of violence for age, job title, patient population, and hospital location. Sexual harassment was the only category of violence affected by gender with females having a greater frequency. Feelings of safety were positively related to the frequency of WPV. Females were significantly more likely to feel unsafe and have less confidence in dealing with WPV. The study findings indicate that all ED workers are at risk of violence, regardless of personal and occupational characteristics. Feelings of safety are related to job satisfaction and turnover. Violence has serious consequences for the employers, employees, and patients. It is recommended that administration, managers, and employees collaborate to develop and implement prevention strategies to reduce and manage the violence.

DOI
10.1097/TME.0b013e3182330530
Citation Information
Donna Gates, Gordon Gillespie, Terry Kowalenko, Paul Succop, et al.. "Occupational and Demographic Factors Associated with Violence in the Emergency Department" Advanced Emergency Nursing Journal Vol. 33 Iss. 4 (2011) p. 303 - 313 ISSN: 19314485
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/sharon_farra/3/