Violence against health professionals in Palestinian hospitals : prevalence, sources, responses and prevention

Abstract EN

Workplace violence and assault in the health sector are recognized as significant occupational hazards for health professionals.

However, while all health care providers are potentially in danger of violence and assault from patients, family members or visitors.

Nurses face a greater risk than physicians since they spend most of the time with patients and their families.

As violence increases in society, the risks facing health professionals increase.

This study aims to investigate the prevalence of violence against health professionals in Palestinian hospitals, sources, Responses and measures used by staff to prevent such violence.

A cross-sectional non-experimental descriptive design was used.

A probability sample (stratified clustered) of 134 health care providers (nurses and physicians) working in Palestinian hospitals was selected.

Data was collected by administering the questionnaire developed by the International Council of Nurses (ICN).

Descriptive statistic methods were used and the findings were statistically interpreted using the statistical package for Social Science (SPSS).

The results show that verbal abuse was prevalent as it was reported by the majority of the respondents (n=100 (74.6%).

Almost one third of the respondents (n=45 (34.3%)) said they had experienced physical attack in the last 12 months.

The main perpetrators of violence were relatives, followed by patients.

Reporting of violent incidents by the respondents was low, as they think it is useless and unimportant.

Very low and little support was provided and training in relation to violent behavior was minimal.

It is recommended that staffs who provide direct care to patients should be trained to detect, deal and report the violent behaviors.