Workplace violence in healthcare requires a comprehensive approach, including improved reporting, supportive policies, technology, and legal protections, to create a safer and more respectful environment for healthcare professionals.

For this episode of the Straight Out of Health IT podcast, Dr. Rhoda Collins, Chief Nursing Officer at Kontakt.io, has a conversation with host Christopher Kunney about the rising issue of workplace violence against healthcare professionals. Dr. Collins explains that most workplace violence involves verbal abuse from patients, although physical assaults and lateral violence (among colleagues) also occur. She emphasizes the need to remove the stigma around reporting incidents and create a culture where workers feel safe seeking help.

Dr. Collins identifies stress as a key driver of coworker-to-coworker violence and notes that improvements in diversity, inclusion, and communication have reduced such incidents over the years. She mentions the role of professional organizations and guidelines, such as those from the Joint Commission, which help hospitals address violence. Technology, such as wearable distress buttons, is also playing a growing role in preventing violence by enabling quick responses in emergencies.

Towards the end, Dr. Collins discusses legal measures, including laws that classify healthcare workplace violence as a felony in 32 states. She also encourages advocacy for federal legislation and promotes resources from organizations like the American Nurses Association and Emergency Nurses Association to help healthcare workers and institutions better handle workplace violence. It is the collective responsibility of communities, healthcare administrators, and lawmakers to ensure a safer environment for healthcare professionals.

Tune in to learn about the growing issue of workplace violence against healthcare workers and how we can work together to create safer, more supportive environments for those who care for others!

Resources

• Connect with Dr. Rhonda Collins on LinkedIn here.

• Visit Kontakt.io!

  
  

  Check out these risk assessment tools for workplace violence against healthcare professionals by the American Nurses Association, the American Organization of Nurse Leaders, the Emergency Nurses Association, and the CDC.