Authors (including presenting author) :
Chang HT(1), Lam SKT(1), Chu CMM(2)
Affiliation :
(1) Department of Accident and Emergency, Tuen Mun Hospital
(2) Department of Accident and Emergency, Pok Oi Hospital
Introduction :
Workplace violence affects the dignity and well-being of healthcare workers and poses threats to the efficiency and success of the healthcare system. Healthcare workers in the Emergency Department are known to be vulnerable to workplace violence.
Objectives :
This study explored the prevalence and correlates of workplace violence in the Emergency Department in Hong Kong.
Methodology :
A cross-sectional survey study was carried out from 1 June to 30 June 2022 among doctors and nurses in three regional Emergency Departments. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the correlates of workplace violence.
Result & Outcome :
A total of 162 healthcare workers including 57 doctors and 105 nurses participated in the study. The overall prevalence of workplace violence was 66.7%. Verbal abuse (64.2%) was more common than physical violence (20.4%). Nursing group was significantly correlated with physical violence (aOR 7.27, p = 0.005). Reporting rate of workplace violence remained low (18.2% for physical violence and 12.5% for verbal abuse). More than half of the participants with experience of workplace violence reported that the incident affected their mental well-being.
Workplace violence was a significant concern in the local Emergency Department and under-reporting was not uncommon. Impact of workplace violence on healthcare workers and the healthcare system should be well recognised. Workplace violence protocol and prevention strategies are crucial.
