Addressing Violence Towards Healthcare Workers in Assisted Living Settings
by Heidi LaMeyer, RN, LALD, Regional Director at AHI
Violence against healthcare workers has been on the rise, particularly in assisted living settings where staff often work alone or with minimal support. This trend has severe implications for both the physical and mental well-being of healthcare professionals and the quality of care they provide. This post explores recent data on this issue, strategies for coping, and methods for ensuring safety and self-defense.
Current Trends and Statistics
Recent reports indicate a significant increase in workplace violence experienced by healthcare workers. The National Nurses United (NNU) survey found that 81.6% of nurses experienced at least one type of workplace violence in the past year, with nearly half reporting an increase in such incidents. Factors contributing to this rise include patient frustration, mental health issues, and the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic (National Nurses United) (AAMC).
Strategies for Coping and Safety
Training and Education: Providing regular training on de-escalation techniques and self-defense can equip staff to handle violent situations effectively. Programs like the Behavioral Escalation Support Team (BEST) at UC Davis Medical Center have shown success in calming aggressive patients through trained mental health care providers (AAMC).
Safety Protocols: Implementing strict safety protocols, such as flagging systems for aggressive patients and controlling access to certain areas, can help protect staff. For example, Boston Medical Center uses electronic records to flag patients with a history of aggression, allowing staff to take preventive measures (AAMC).
Support Systems: Ensuring that there is always a mechanism for staff to call for help, such as panic buttons or quick-response security teams, can enhance safety. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) emphasizes the importance of management leadership and employee participation in hazard identification and control (CDC Blogs).
Environmental Design: Modifying the physical environment to minimize risk, such as securing furniture that could be used as weapons and ensuring clear escape routes, can reduce the likelihood of harm during violent episodes (World Health Organization (WHO)).
Self-Defense and Mental Health Support
Self-Defense Training: Offering self-defense courses tailored to healthcare settings can empower workers to protect themselves without escalating the situation.
Mental Health Resources: Providing access to counseling and mental health support for workers who experience violence can mitigate long-term psychological impacts. Organizations should prioritize the mental well-being of their staff, recognizing that violence can lead to burnout and decreased job satisfaction (World Health Organization (WHO)).
Legislative Support: Advocating for stronger legal protections and support for healthcare workers is crucial. The proposed Safety from Violence for Healthcare Employees Act aims to increase penalties for assaults on healthcare workers, providing a safer working environment (AAMC).
Conclusion
Violence in healthcare settings, particularly in assisted living facilities, is a pressing issue that requires a multifaceted approach. By implementing comprehensive training, strict safety protocols, robust support systems, and advocating for legislative changes, we can create a safer environment for healthcare workers. It is essential to prioritize the physical and mental well-being of these professionals to ensure they can continue to provide high-quality care.
For more detailed information, you can refer to the original reports and articles from the National Nurses United, CDC, and other sources mentioned in this post.