[From the Center for Patient Safety]

SAFETY ALERT: Violence Against Health Care Workers

Includes:

• Verbal Threats
• Hitting
• Biting
• Scratching
• Kicking
• Stalking
• Harassment

ACTIONABLE ITEMS TO MITIGATE RISK

• Review policies and education of staff pertaining to the recognition and de-escalation of hostile and aggressive behavior by patients.
• Evaluate the need for security personnel and mental health professionals to assist with identification and de-escalation of aggressive behavior.
• Assess physical work environment to limit/eliminate the possibility of staff working in isolation without escape route in the possibility a patient becomes physically aggressive.

THE CULTURE CONNECTION

• Ask your staff if they feel comfortable reporting aggressive behavior
• Encourage staff to use teamwork strategies such as ensuring a second staff member is readily available to assist with procedures where patients have increased risk of becoming aggressive
• Leadership should evaluate the culture and consider implementing a support system for staff members who feel threatened/intimidated by patients

RESOURCES

• The Joint Commission Sentinel Event Alert Issue 59, April 17, 2018.  Violence against health care workers.
• The Joint Commission Sentinel Event Alert Infographic.  Take a stand: No more violence to health care workers.
• The Joint Commission Requirements relevant to violence against health care workers.

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