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Addressing the Crisis: Workplace Violence in Healthcare and How FROST is Protecting Physicians

Aug 22

3 min read

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Workplace violence in healthcare has been a persistent and growing issue over the years. Back in 2017, the Ontario government highlighted that healthcare workers were experiencing violence at four times the rate of workers in other sectors (Ontario, 2017). Despite efforts to curb this trend, recent data shows that the situation has not only persisted but worsened in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.


The Evolution of Workplace Violence in Healthcare

In 2017, the Ontario government recognized the critical issue of workplace violence in healthcare settings and implemented a series of strategies aimed at prevention. These included mandatory workplace violence prevention policies, comprehensive risk assessments, and improved reporting systems. However, even with these measures, violence in healthcare remained alarmingly high, particularly in high-stress environments such as emergency departments and psychiatric units.


Fast forward to 2024, and the picture is even more concerning. The COVID-19 pandemic placed unprecedented stress on healthcare systems globally, exacerbating the conditions that contribute to workplace violence. Healthcare professionals, already under immense pressure, faced increased aggression from patients and their families. Factors such as heightened anxiety, frustration with the healthcare system, and mental health issues further fueled this violence.


Recent reports from the Public Services Health & Safety Association (PSHSA) indicate that these factors, combined with insufficient staffing and security measures, have led to an increase in both the frequency and severity of workplace violence in healthcare settings (PSHSA, 2024). Physicians, in particular, have been significantly impacted, with 68% reporting incidents of workplace violence during the pandemic (Ramzi, Fatah, & Dalvandi, 2022).


Why Physicians Are Particularly at Risk

Physicians, who play a critical role in patient care, are often at the forefront of dealing with the most challenging and high-stakes situations. This makes them particularly vulnerable to workplace violence. The Ontario government’s guidelines from 2017 emphasized the importance of protecting healthcare workers, but the escalation of violence in recent years shows that more needs to be done.


Physicians not only face threats within their work environments but also in their personal lives due to their public visibility. Incidents of harassment, stalking, and even physical attacks outside the workplace have become more common, exacerbating the already high levels of stress and burnout among healthcare professionals.


FROST’s Role in Enhancing Physician Safety

Given the persistent and worsening trend of workplace violence in healthcare, FROST is committed to providing comprehensive safety solutions that address both the professional and personal risks faced by physicians. Our approach is designed to enhance and build upon existing safety measures, ensuring that healthcare professionals are protected in all aspects of their lives.


Workplace Security Assessments: FROST conducts thorough evaluations of healthcare facilities to identify vulnerabilities and recommend enhancements. These assessments focus on improving physical security, refining emergency response protocols, and ensuring that healthcare environments meet or exceed safety standards.


Violence Prevention Training: Our training programs equip healthcare workers with the skills needed to recognize, de-escalate, and respond effectively to violent situations. By customizing these programs to address the specific risks of each facility, FROST helps ensure that staff are prepared to handle potential threats.


Personal Safety Enhancements: Recognizing the risks that extend beyond the workplace, FROST offers personalized security assessments for physicians. This includes recommendations for home security, online privacy, and strategies for managing public interactions to minimize the risk of violence.


Emergency Response Planning: FROST assists healthcare organizations in developing and implementing comprehensive emergency response plans. These plans are designed to ensure a rapid and coordinated response to violent incidents, minimizing harm and protecting both staff and patients.


The Path Forward

The ongoing trend of workplace violence in healthcare, exacerbated by the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, highlights the need for a more robust and comprehensive approach to safety. While government initiatives like those introduced in Ontario in 2017 were important steps forward, the persistent nature of the problem indicates that additional measures are necessary.


FROST is dedicated to leading this effort, providing the expertise and resources needed to create safe and secure environments for physicians. By investing in comprehensive safety solutions, healthcare organizations can not only reduce the incidence of workplace violence but also improve the overall well-being and job satisfaction of their staff.


Learn more about how FROST is protecting physicians and ensuring their safety by visiting our website or contacting us directly. Together, we can make a difference.


 

References


Ontario (2017). Preventing Workplace Violence in the Health Care Sector. [online] Available at: https://www.ontario.ca/page/preventing-workplace-violence-health-care-sector [Accessed 20 Aug. 2024].


Public Services Health & Safety Association (PSHSA) (2024). Workplace Violence in Healthcare. [online] Available at: https://www.pshsa.ca/workplace-violence-in-healthcare [Accessed 20 Aug. 2024].


Ramzi, Z.S., Fatah, P.W., & Dalvandi, A. (2022). Prevalence of Workplace Violence Against Healthcare Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 896156. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.896156

Aug 22

3 min read

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