Impact of hospital Type II violent events: Use of psychotropic drugs and mental health services

摘要

Background: While violence can adversely affect mental health of victims, repercussions of violence against workers is not as well characterized. Materials and Methods: We explored relationships between workplace violent events perpetrated by patients or visitors (Type II) against hospital employees and the employee use of psychotropic medications or mental health services using a data system that linked violent events with health claims. Results: Significant associations were observed between reported Type II workplace violent events and employee prescription claims for anti-depressants and anxiolytics combined (RR=1.45, 95% CI=1.01-2.33) and anti-depressants alone (RR=1.65, 95% CI=1.10-2.48). No significant association between reported violent events and health claims for treatment of depression or anxiety was observed. Conclusions: Type II violence experienced by hospital workers may lead to increased use of psychotropic drugs, particularly anti-depressants but also anxiolytics. Our results suggest an important role of employee assistance programs in mitigating the psychological consequences of workplace violent events.