Questionnaire-based Evaluation of Factors Leading to Patient-physician Distrust and Violence against Healthcare Workers

JOURNAL TITLE: Indian Journal of Critical Care Medicine

Author
1. Sarit Sharma
2. Paawanjot Kaur
3. Neha Bhatia
4. Anhad Kumar
ISSN
0972-5229
DOI
10.5005/jp-journals-10071-23203
Volume
23
Issue
7
Publishing Year
2019
Pages
8
Author Affiliations
    1. Department of Community Medicine, Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana, Punjab, India
    1. Department of Critical Care Medicine, Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana, Punjab, India
    1. Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana, Punjab, India
    1. Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana, Punjab, India
  • Article keywords
    Communication, Healthcare workers (HCWs), Patient physician distrust, Workplace Violence (WPV)

    Abstract

    Background: Rising incidents of aggression and violence against healthcare workers (HCWs) is widening the rift between the patients and their caregivers. So, aim of the study was to evaluate the perceptions of healthcare workers (HCWs) and patient's attendants about factors responsible for widespread violence and patient-physician distrust. Materials and methods: An anonymous, questionnaire-based, cross-sectional study was conducted over a period of one year in a tertiary care teaching institute. Performas, adapted from WHO published questionnaire and translated to local language, were administered separately to HCWs and attendants. Responses generated were collected and analyzed. Results: Out of 295 HCWs, 11 (3.7%) HCWs faced physical violence, whereas verbal abuse was faced by 147 (50%) HCWs. A higher number of incidents of physical violence (91%) and verbal abuse (64%) were faced by HCWs in the age group of 20-30 years. Verbal abuse was faced by 49.3% of nurses, 53% of junior residents, 61% of senior residents and 36% of consultants. Out of 158 incidents of workplace violence (WPV), maximum occurred in ICUs (62.0%) and emergency (21%). Unexpected death, unexpected complication, extended hospital stay, staff shortage and unexpected bill were some of the factors perceived to be responsible for WPV. Conclusion: HCWs commonly face violence from patient's attendants resulting in stressful and fearful environment at the healthcare facility. Dedicated sessions on good communication and counseling for HCWs and better security arrangements at the hospitals are the need of the hour and also in the best interest of HCWs and patients.

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