Study Reveals High Incidence of Violence Against Emergency Department Healthcare Workers

A recent study published in Academic Emergency Medicine sheds light on the frequent occurrence of violence faced by healthcare workers in emergency departments (EDs). Conducted by researchers and presented at the SAEM Annual Meeting in Phoenix, Arizona, in May 2024, the study provides detailed insights into the prevalence and nature of workplace violence in this high-stress environment.

The investigation analyzed data from two prospective studies involving patients treated for intoxication in a dedicated ED unit. Agitation levels among patients were measured using the altered mental status scale, with scores ranging from −4 (indicating coma) to +4 (most agitated). Trained observers monitored the ED around the clock, documenting incidents such as verbal abuse, threats, and acts of violence. These observations were then cross-referenced with official hospital reports to evaluate underreporting.

Out of 17,873 patient encounters screened, researchers found that 20% involved some form of assault, including threats or actual violent acts. Additionally, nearly 40% of encounters involved verbal abuse. The majority of these incidents were linked to patients under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Despite the frequency of these events, the study revealed a significant gap in reporting, with less than 1% of verbal abuse cases and just over half of violent acts officially documented by hospitals.

These findings highlight not only the high occurrence of violence in ED settings but also the underreporting issue, which hampers efforts to address and mitigate the problem. The study underscores the urgent need for improved reporting systems and enhanced protections for healthcare workers working in such volatile environments.

The evidence suggests that violence and verbal abuse against healthcare staff are common yet often unreported, emphasizing the importance of implementing better safety protocols to safeguard frontline workers in emergency departments.