Increase in assaults on healthcare professionals
In the last four years, especially since the start of the health crisis, there has been an increase in violent behavior directed at health professionals. The nursing group is one of those that maintains more direct contact with patients and, therefore, they are the most affected by this increase in aggressive behaviour. Across Spain, an increase of 1,108 assaults has been recorded, going from 1,472 in 2019 to 2,580 in 2022, representing a growth of 75%.
Context of the attacks
Violent behavior on the part of users stands out especially in the context of spontaneous or emergency consultations at health centers, according to a nurse at the CAP de Taialà, Mariona Molina. A study carried out in primary care centers in Girona and Salt reveals that 79.4% of the participants report having experienced more aggressive attitudes in these contexts, while the remaining 20.6% indicate more incidents during scheduled consultations.
Differences in the home field
No health professional claims to have been the victim of violent behavior in the home environment. Neither doctors nor nurses have suffered serious physical harm, with only 4.4% reporting an annual mild assault by users.
Analysis of the study results
The results of the study indicate that violent attitudes towards health professionals occur mainly in spontaneous or emergency visits, the most common being those that do not involve physical violence. Anger at the delay in care and at disagreements with the decisions of the healthcare staff are the most common reactions, often expressed in raising one’s voice and complaining.
Preventive and support actions
The Family and Community Nursing Association of Catalonia (AIFiCC) highlights the need for more effective preventive policies in the face of this workplace violence. From the Catalan Institute of Health, active support is provided to professionals, following protocols established since 2007 to address situations of violence. In addition, the security measures implemented in health centers and awareness campaigns against attacks on health professionals are highlighted.
Conclusions
The study highlights the reality of violence in the workplace of healthcare professionals, with a special focus on nurses. It is imperative to address this issue with effective preventative measures and ongoing support for healthcare workers to ensure a safe and respectful work environment.