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Nelson S, Ayaz B, Baumann AL, Dozois G. A gender-based review of workplace violence amongst the global health workforce-A scoping review of the literature. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 4:e0003336. [PMID: 38954697 PMCID: PMC11218983 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0003336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
Workplace violence (WPV) impacts all levels of the health workforce, including the individual provider, organization, and society. While there is a substantial body of literature on various aspects of WPV against the health workforce, gender-based WPV (GB-WPV) has received less attention. Violence in both the workplace and broader society is rooted in gendered socio-economic, cultural, and institutional factors. Developing a robust understanding of GB-WPV is crucial to explore the differing experiences, responses, and outcomes of GB-WPV with respect to gender. We conducted a scoping review and report on the prevalence and risk factors of GB-WPV in healthcare settings globally. The review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). We registered the scoping review protocol on the Open Science Framework on January 14, 2022, at https://osf.io/t4pfb/. A systematic search was conducted of empirical literature in five health and social science databases. Of 13667, 226 studies were included in the analysis. Across the studies, more women than men experienced non-physical violence, including verbal abuse, sexual harassment, and bullying. Men experienced more physical violence compared to women. Younger age, less experience, shifting duties, specific clinical settings, lower professional status, organizational hierarchy, and minority status were found to be sensitive to gender, reflecting women's structural disadvantages in the workplace. Given the high prevalence and impact of GB-WPV on women, we provided recommendations to address systemic issues in clinical practice, academia, policy, and research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sioban Nelson
- Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Basnama Ayaz
- Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrea L. Baumann
- Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Graham Dozois
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Ismail H, Dawam D, Muhd Aris NA, Yew SQ, Ahmad H, David CCH, Baharudin MH, Huam ZS, Jamaludin HH. Personality traits and workplace bullying among contract trainee doctors in Malaysia. Heliyon 2024; 10:e23625. [PMID: 38173473 PMCID: PMC10761799 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e23625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Workplace bullying (WPB) among trainee doctors is a concerning problem in Malaysia. However, there is still limited understanding regarding the influence of trainee doctors' personality traits on WPB. Furthermore, the impact of contract employment status on WPB among trainee doctors is not yet well-defined. To address these gaps, this study was aimed to determine the prevalence of WPB among trainee doctors and to examine the association of sociodemographic characteristics, job characteristics, and personality traits with WPB among trainee doctors in Malaysia. Methods A multi-center cross-sectional study was conducted with 264 trainee doctors in Selangor, Malaysia. Eligible participants were provided with sociodemographic characteristics questionnaire, job characteristics questionnaire, WPB questionnaire, and the Big Five Inventory-10 (BFI-10). Chi-square tests were used to examine the association between: (i) sociodemographic characteristics and WPB, (ii) job characteristics and WPB; and (iii) personality traits and WPB. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to evaluate the association between the significant independent variables (as determined from Chi-square tests) and WPB. Results The prevalence of WPB was 45.1 %, with verbal abuse being the most common form of bullying (46.2 %). Chi-square test showed that only marital status and low agreeableness were significantly associated with WPB. Subsequently, multiple logistic regression demonstrated that being married (OR: 1.866; 95 % CI: 1.077-3.234) and low agreeableness (OR: 2.287; 95 % CI: 1.169-4.473) were significant predictors of WPB. Conclusion The high prevalence of WPB among trainee doctors could be attributed by marriage and low agreeableness personality traits in this population. In order to minimise WPB and maximise workforce potential, it is essential for healthcare institutions and medical training programmes to recognise this vulnerabilities and take steps to protect and support trainee doctors who are married and/or with low agreeableness personality trait.
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Affiliation(s)
- Halim Ismail
- Department of Public Health Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Center, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Dzualkamal Dawam
- Department of Public Health Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Center, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Nor Azila Muhd Aris
- Department of Public Health Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Center, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Sheng Qian Yew
- Department of Public Health Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Center, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Hanis Ahmad
- Department of Public Health Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Center, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Chan Chee Hoong David
- Department of Public Health Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Center, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Hafiz Baharudin
- Department of Public Health Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Center, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Zhe Shen Huam
- Department of Public Health Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Center, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Hibatul Hakimi Jamaludin
- Department of Public Health Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Center, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Busch IM, Rimondini M, Scott SD, Moretti F, Cecchin D, Wu AW, Giraudo C. Workplace violence in radiology: results of a systematic review. Occup Med (Lond) 2023; 73:541-546. [PMID: 38072465 DOI: 10.1093/occmed/kqad123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Workplace violence (WPV) is a growing issue in health care with far-reaching consequences for health workers' physical and psychological well-being. While some medical specialities like emergency medicine have always been considered at higher risk for WPV, several studies have also reported its occurrence in radiology. AIMS This systematic review aimed to comprehensively synthesize the types of WPV in radiology, its psychological impact, and the underlying risk and protective factors. METHODS We searched five electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science Core Collection, Scopus, PsycINFO and CINAHL) and additional literature, including grey literature, and established weekly search alerts. Two reviewers independently conducted all methodological steps, involving a third reviewer in case of disagreement. RESULTS Of the 12 205 retrieved records, 103 full-text articles were evaluated, and 15 studies were included. Across studies, verbal aggression, sexual harassment (mostly against women) and physical violence were experienced by up to 100%, 85% and 46% of health workers, respectively. Perpetrators were patients and patients' caregivers, followed by co-workers. Victims suffered from various psychological symptoms, such as anxiety (22%-54%), fear (6%-39%), depression (32%) and repeated disturbing memories (21%). Risk factors included female gender, understaffing, worker inexperience, poor communication and lengthy waiting times. Social support and security personnel presence were among the identified protective factors. CONCLUSIONS Health workers are at high risk of experiencing WPV in the radiological setting, with a strong psychological impact. Radiological departments should create a safe healthcare environment that actively manages the identified risk factors and offers psychological support to affected workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- I M Busch
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - M Rimondini
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - S D Scott
- University of Missouri Health Care and Sinclair School of Nursing, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - F Moretti
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - D Cecchin
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy
| | - A W Wu
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - C Giraudo
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy
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Garcia-Zamora S, Iomini PA, Pulido L, Miranda-Arboleda AF, Lopez-Santi P, Burgos LM, Perez GE, Priotti M, García DE, Antoniolli M, Musso G, Zaidel EJ, Sosa-Liprandi Á, Del-Sueldo MA, Lopez-Santi R, Vazquez G, Baranchuk A. Comparison of violence and aggressions suffered by health personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic in Argentina and the rest of Latin America. Rev Peru Med Exp Salud Publica 2023; 40:179-188. [PMID: 38232264 PMCID: PMC10953667 DOI: 10.17843/rpmesp.2023.402.12646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES. Motivation for the study. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused profound repercussions at different socio-environmental levels. Its impact on violence against healthcare team workers in Argentina has not been well documented. Main findings. The present study evidenced high rates of aggression, particularly verbal aggression. In addition, almost half of the participants reported having suffered these events on a weekly basis. All participants who experienced violence reported having experienced post-event symptoms, and up to one-third reported having considered changing their profession after these acts. Implications. It is imperative to take action to prevent acts of violence against health personnel, or to mitigate its impact on the victims. . To explore the frequency and impact of violence against healthcare workers in Argentina and to compare it with the rest of their Latin American peers during the COVID-19 pandemic. MATERIALS AND METHODS. A cross-sectional study was conducted by applying an electronic survey on Latin American medical and non-medical personnel who carried out health care tasks since March 2020. We used Poisson regression to estimate crude (PR) and adjusted (aPR) Prevalence Ratios with their respective 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS. A total of 3544 participants from 19 countries answered the survey; 1992 (56.0%) resided in Argentina. Of these, 62.9% experienced at least one act of violence; 97.7% reported verbal violence and 11.8% physical violence. Of those who were assaulted, 41.5% experienced violence at least once a week. Health personnel from Argentina experienced violence more frequently than those from other countries (62.9% vs. 54.6%, p<0.001), and these events were more frequent and stressful (p<0.05). In addition, Argentinean health personnel reported having considered changing their healthcare tasks and/or desired to leave their profession more frequently (p<0.001). In the Poisson regression, we found that participants from Argentina had a higher prevalence of violence than health workers from the region (14.6%; p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS. There was a high prevalence of violence against health personnel in Argentina during the COVID-19 pandemic. These events had a strong negative impact on those who suffered them. Our data suggest that violence against health personnel may have been more frequent in Argentina than in other regions of the continent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastián Garcia-Zamora
- Servicio de Cardiología, Sanatorio Delta, Rosario, Argentina.Servicio de CardiologíaSanatorio DeltaRosarioArgentina
| | - Pablo A. Iomini
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA) - UDH Hospital Dr. Prof. Alejandro Posadas, Buenos Aires, Argentina.Universidad de Buenos AiresFacultad de MedicinaUniversidad de Buenos Aires (UBA)UDH Hospital Dr. Prof. Alejandro PosadasBuenos AiresArgentina
| | - Laura Pulido
- Pneumonology Service, Sanatorio Centro, Rosario, Argentina.Pneumonology ServiceSanatorio CentroRosarioArgentina
| | - Andrés F. Miranda-Arboleda
- Cardiology Division, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.Cardiology DivisionQueen’s UniversityKingstonOntarioCanada
| | - Pilar Lopez-Santi
- Cardiology Division, Hospital Italiano de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina.Cardiology DivisionHospital Italiano de La PlataLa PlataArgentina
| | - Lucrecia M. Burgos
- Instituto Cardiovascular de Buenos Aires, Argentina.Instituto Cardiovascular de Buenos AiresArgentina
| | - Gonzalo E. Perez
- Cardiology Division, Clínica Olivos, Buenos Aires, Argentina.Cardiology DivisionClínica OlivosBuenos AiresArgentina
| | - Mauricio Priotti
- Servicio de Cardiología, Sanatorio Delta, Rosario, Argentina.Servicio de CardiologíaSanatorio DeltaRosarioArgentina
| | - Darío E. García
- Latin American Federation of Emergency Medicine, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico.Latin American Federation of Emergency MedicineCiudad de MexicoMexico
| | - Melisa Antoniolli
- Cardiology Service, Sanatorio Finochietto, Buenos Aires, Argentina.Cardiology ServiceSanatorio FinochiettoBuenos AiresArgentina
| | - Gabriel Musso
- Intensive Care Service, Sanatorio Parque, Rosario, Argentina.Intensive Care ServiceSanatorio ParqueRosarioArgentina
| | - Ezequiel J. Zaidel
- Cardiology Department, Sanatorio Güemes, CABA, Argentina. Cardiology DepartmentSanatorio GüemesCABAArgentina
| | - Álvaro Sosa-Liprandi
- Cardiology Department, Sanatorio Güemes, CABA, Argentina. Cardiology DepartmentSanatorio GüemesCABAArgentina
| | - Mildren A. Del-Sueldo
- Certus-Clínica de Especialidades Foundation, Cordoba, Argentina.Certus-Clínica de Especialidades FoundationCordobaArgentina
| | - Ricardo Lopez-Santi
- Cardiology Division, Hospital Italiano de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina.Cardiology DivisionHospital Italiano de La PlataLa PlataArgentina
| | - Gustavo Vazquez
- Department of Psychiatry, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.Department of PsychiatryQueen’s UniversityKingstonOntarioCanada
| | - Adrián Baranchuk
- Cardiology Division, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.Cardiology DivisionQueen’s UniversityKingstonOntarioCanada
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Liu C, Liu W, Jiao M, Li Y, Zhang G, Wei L, Zhou S, Li Y, Sha Z, Hao Y, Wu Q. A combined behavioural economics- and simulation-based medical education to promote effectiveness among medical residents in coping with workplace violence in Northern China: a quasi-experimental study. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1090. [PMID: 35650559 PMCID: PMC9156828 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13497-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Workplace violence is internationally recognised as a major concern for the workforce, which entails serious consequences, and research shows that medical residents are more likely than other doctors to experience violence in the workplace. This study first examines the effectiveness of simulation-based medical education, and then simulation-based medical education combined with behavioural economics as interventions in medical residents' perception of, attitude toward, and self-efficacy in coping with violence in the workplace. METHODS A quasi-experimental design was used, 190 participants were randomised into three study groups to respectively test the effect of simulation-based medical education only and simulation-based medical education plus behavioural economics interventions, compared with a control group. Data were obtained from structured questionnaires, including (1) a perception of aggression scale, a management of aggression and violence attitude scale, a general self-efficacy scale, and (2) socio-demographic characteristics. RESULTS The results show that the scores attained by simulation-based medical education (SBME) and simulation-based medical education combined with behavioural economics (SBME + BE) interventions for perception, attitude, and self-efficacy were significantly higher than those in the control group (p < .01). The SBME + BE group recorded a greater improvement in perception, which could be ascribed to the behavioural economics effect. Furthermore, the higher perception of workplace violence is correlated with single residents and those with more work experience, prior experiences of violence in the workplace, and training related to workplace violence. A higher positive correlation of workplace violence was recorded by female and widowed residents,and a higher level of self-efficacy related to violence in the workplace correlated with male, widowed,and senior (third-year) residents. CONCLUSIONS This study contributes important evidence regarding changes in the perception, attitude, and self-efficacy of subjects following both the SBME + BE and SBME interventions among medical residents in coping with workplace violence, the biggest perception change having been recorded after the SBME + BE intervention, which can be explained by the inclusion of behavioural economics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Liu
- Department of Health, Policy and Hospital Management, School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081 China
| | - Weijing Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Heilongjiang Academy of Chinese Medicine Science, Harbin, 150081 China
| | - Mingli Jiao
- Department of Health, Policy and Hospital Management, School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081 China
| | - Ye Li
- Department of Health, Policy and Hospital Management, School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081 China
| | - Gangyu Zhang
- Department of Health, Policy and Hospital Management, School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081 China
| | - Lifeng Wei
- Department of Health, Policy and Hospital Management, School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081 China
| | - Shuang Zhou
- Department of Health, Policy and Hospital Management, School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081 China
| | - Yuanheng Li
- Department of Health, Policy and Hospital Management, School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081 China
| | - Zhuowa Sha
- Department of Health, Policy and Hospital Management, School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081 China
| | - Yanhua Hao
- Department of Social Medicine, School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081 China
| | - Qunhong Wu
- Department of Social Medicine, School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081 China
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Muñoz Del Carpio-Toia A, Begazo Muñoz Del Carpio L, Mayta-Tristan P, Alarcón-Yaquetto DE, Málaga G. Workplace Violence Against Physicians Treating COVID-19 Patients in Peru: A Cross-Sectional Study. Jt Comm J Qual Patient Saf 2021; 47:637-645. [PMID: 34257040 PMCID: PMC8200256 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcjq.2021.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic is an unprecedented challenge to health systems that has revealed shortcomings and increased unmet demands. Such situations might exacerbate workplace violence (WPV) against physicians, as has been reported in several parts of the world. METHODS To identify the frequency and characteristics of WPV suffered by physicians attending COVID-19 patients in Peru, a descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted with an online survey of 200 physicians. RESULTS Of the survey respondents, 84.5% had suffered some type of WPV; 97.6% of these suffered nonphysical violence. Suffering more than one incident of violence was reported by 75.7% of respondents. The primary aggressor was a patient's family member or caregiver. Violence occurred most frequently in critical areas inside the health service facility, such as COVID-19 triage, tents, and hospital units, although it also occurred during teleconsultations. Multiple shortcomings of the health services were perceived as the main trigger of violence. Being a female physician (odds ratio [OR] = 2.48, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.06-5.83) and working in a COVID-19 ICU (OR = 5.84, 95% CI = 1.60-21.28) were the main factors associated with WPV. CONCLUSION Violence against physicians attending COVID-19 patients in Peru is common. The perceived factors that contribute most to violence are linked to deficiencies in health services.
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Szafran O, Woloschuk W, Torti JMI, Palacios Mackay MF. Intimidation, harassment, and discrimination during family medicine residency training: a mixed methods study. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2021; 21:173. [PMID: 33743683 PMCID: PMC7980613 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-021-02623-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The importance of wellbeing of family medicine residents is recognized in accreditation requirements which call for a supportive and respectful learning environment; however, concerns exist about learner mistreatment in the medical environment. The purpose of this study was to to describe family medicine graduates' perceived experience with intimidation, harassment and discrimination (IHD) during residency training. METHODS A mixed-methods study was conducted on a cohort of family medicine graduates who completed residency training during 2006-2011. Phase 1, the quantitative component, consisted of a retrospective survey of 651 graduates. Phase 2, the qualitative component, was comprised of 11 qualitative interviews. Both the survey and the interviews addressed graduates' experience with IHD with respect to frequency and type, setting, perpetrator, perceived basis for IHD, and the effect of the IHD. RESULTS The response rate to the survey was 47.2%, with 44.7% of respondents indicating that they experienced some form of mistreatment/IHD during residency training, and 69.9% noting that it occurred more than once. The primary sources of IHD were specialist physicians (75.7%), hospital nurses (47.8%), and family physicians (33.8%). Inappropriate verbal comments were the most frequent type of IHD (86.8%). Graduates perceived the basis of the IHD to be abuse of power (69.1%), personality conflict (36.8%), and family medicine as a career choice (30.1%), which interview participants also described. A significantly greater proportion IMGs than CMGs perceived the basis of IHD to be culture/ethnicity (47.2% vs 10.5%, respectively). The vast majority (77.3%) of graduates reported that the IHD experience had a negative effect on them, consisting of decreased self-esteem and confidence, increased anxiety, and sleep problems. As trainees, they felt angry, threatened, demoralized, discouraged, manipulated, and powerless. Some developed depression or burnout, took medication, or underwent counselling. CONCLUSIONS IHD continued to be prevalent during family medicine residency training, with it occurring most frequently in the hospital setting and specialty rotations. Educational institutions must work with hospital administrators to address issues of mistreatment in the workplace. Residency training programs and the medical establishment need to be cognizant that the effects of IHD are far-reaching and must continuously work to eradicate it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Szafran
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Alberta, 6-10 University Terrace, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2T4, Canada.
| | - Wayne Woloschuk
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Room 701B, Health Sciences Centre, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Jacqueline M I Torti
- Centre for Education Research & Innovation, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, Suite 100, Medical Sciences Building, London, Ontario, N6G 2V4, Canada
| | - Maria F Palacios Mackay
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Education Innovation (CIED) Santo Tomás, Universidad Santo Tomás, Arturo Prat 866, Piso 5, CP 4100000, Concepción, Chile
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Schmidt T, Susa S, Pieters T, Tomlinson S, Rosenow JM, Kimmell K, Phelps JT. Workplace Violence and Neurosurgery: Insights from a Nationwide Survey. World Neurosurg 2020; 145:e252-e258. [PMID: 33059083 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2020.10.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2020] [Revised: 10/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Workplace violence (WPV) against neurosurgeons is an understudied phenomenon, as previous research has focused on high-risk specialties like emergency medicine and psychiatry. We sought to fill in this gap in the literature by determining the frequency and type of WPV that neurosurgeons experience. METHODS We sent a 26-question online survey to members of the American Association of Neurological Surgery via SurveyMonkey. This survey contained questions about WPV experienced over the previous two years, as well as questions about security measures and workplace protocols for WPV. RESULTS We received 107 responses of 4757 surveys disseminated, a response rate of 2.25%. Although small, this response rate is representative of historical survey response rates. In total, 53.3% of our sample reported WPV, and 4.7% reported at least one physical assault. In total, 50.5% of respondents were afraid of becoming a victim of WPV, and 40.4% felt less secure today than when they began practicing. A total of 17.8% of respondents reported that they had obtained a weapon or a concealed weapon permit due to a perceived threat. Tests for association revealed that early career and female neurosurgeons were significantly more likely to receive verbal threats than other neurosurgeons (P = 0.049 and 0.01, respectively). CONCLUSIONS WPV is prevalent in neurosurgery at rates comparable with a range of other specialties. Many neurosurgeons feel unsafe in the workplace, with some taking significant actions such as weapon acquisition. An opportunity for education and resources regarding WPV exists, especially among early career and female neurosurgeons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler Schmidt
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Stephen Susa
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA.
| | - Thomas Pieters
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Samuel Tomlinson
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Joshua M Rosenow
- Department of Neurosurgery, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Kristopher Kimmell
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Rochester Regional Health, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Jeremy T Phelps
- Integris Spine and Neurological Surgery, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
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