Violence against health care staff by peers and managers in a general hospital in Greece: a questionnaire-based study

Abstract

Background: Many studies have investigated violence against nurses or physicians from patients and visitors especially in psychiatric settings. Few however, have focused on violence between co-workers in general hospitals and various departments.

Objectives: This study examined the types of violence experienced by physicians, nurses and nurse assistants in various departments instigated by doctors, nurses and supervisors as well as the possible causes, the effects on job performance, the handling of the incidents and the possible preventive measures.

Design: A questionnaire based study was conducted among nurses and physicians concerning violence between co-workers.

Setting: The study was carried out in two general hospitals in Athens, Greece.

Subjects: A total of 250 health care staff - doctors, nurses, and nurses’ assistants took part in the study.

Methods: A questionnaire based study with multiple choice questions was held with doctors, nurses, and nurses’ assistants. Quantitative data was analysed by SPSS. A logistic regression analysis was used in order to determine significant risk factors of violence.

Results: A majority of respondents had experienced some form of violence (verbal, psychological, physical or sexual). Doctors and nurses were the main perpetrators followed by managers. The most frequently reported incident was psychological violence, followed by verbal violence. Associations were found between workplace violence and age, gender and wards. Violence was significantly more likely to be targeted towards less experienced, younger staff and those working in ICU, but was significantly less likely among those working in the emergency department and orthopaedics.

Conclusion: Health care staff are at great risk of workplace violence by both co-workers and managers. The reporting of these violent events needs to increase in order to develop safety policies and strategies. Future research must focus on factors influencing high levels of violence and preventive measures.