Addressing Workplace Violence: An Examination of Existing Policies, Measures, and Response Strategies

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate existing measures, policies to deal with WPV events at a tertiary care hospital.

Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Nishtar Hospital Multan from June-August 2019on 164-universally sampled-healthcare employees of an emergency department, after taking ethical approval and participants' informed consent.

Results: There were 164 healthcare personnel; 67 of them were women and 97 were men. Approximately one-third of the participants said that action was taken by the management/employer to investigate the causes of incidence they faced. Thirty-five percent HCW’s reported that their employer or supervisor offer to provide with the counselling and an opportunity to speak about/report it. All the HCW’s were of the view that their employer developed specific policies on health & safety, physical WPV. All HCW’s reported that security measures, staff trainings and investment in human resource development existed as measures to dealt with WPV events.

Conclusion: Security measures, staff trainings existed as measures to dealt with WPV events. Specific policies on health, safety, physical WPV, verbal abuse & harassment also existed but needs to be firmly implemented. Educational programs & awareness by media are required for HCWs, patients, as well as their relatives.