Baffling dilemma of workplace violence in healthcare: will there be an end?

摘要

Workplace violence can be considered a global challenge and a major occupational issue, especially in developing countries where healthcare services and facilities can be stretched and under-resourced. It significantly affects the mental and physical health of the doctors and other staff. The estimated prevalence of work-related violence is two-thirds globally. Junior doctors and residents along with health staff serving in emergency units and psychiatry wards are at more risk. The extent of this issue is still unknown as most of the cases go unreported. Some common factors are patient and visitor dissatisfaction, low impulse control, and poor communication. Effective policies at the grass-root level and strict laws against violators is the only way to decrease ever-growing workplace violence.