July 2024 President’s Message

Violence against healthcare workers demands action

by Howard Chang, MD —

Violence against healthcare workers is a growing concern in the United States, with Kansas being no exception. A Kansas Hospital Association survey reported 46.2% of hospitals face violence in the workplace, and 13% of our hospitals experience physical violence multiple times per week.

This issue is not only a significant threat to our safety and well-being but also impacts the quality of care our patients receive. The increasing rates of violence in hospitals and our clinics demand urgent attention and action – and may literally be the only issue upon which we can universally agree.

The prevalence of violence

Healthcare workers face violence on a daily basis, whether it be physical assaults, verbal abuse or emotional abuse.

According to a 2018 report by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, healthcare workers accounted for 73 percent of all nonfatal workplace injuries due to violence, and we are five times more likely to experience workplace violence than other industries. These alarming statistics highlight the critical need for comprehensive measures to protect those who dedicate their lives to caring for others.

In Kansas, hospitals and healthcare facilities report frequent incidents of violence, and rates of violence are increasing. Emergency departments, in particular, are hotspots for aggressive behavior due to the high-stress environment and the influx of patients with varying degrees of mental health issues and substance use disorders. The consequences of such violence are profound, affecting not only the immediate victims but also the entire healthcare system.

The human cost

The impact of violence on healthcare workers cannot be overstated. Physically, victims may suffer from injuries ranging from bruises and fractures to more severe trauma. Iíve personally seen bite marks, broken hearing aids, destroyed jewelry, scratches, many black eyes and even cases requiring emergent surgery.

However, the psychological toll is often even more devastating. Many healthcare workers experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and depression after violent encounters. These mental health issues can lead to burnout, reduced job satisfaction and, ultimately, the decision to leave the profession altogether. We simply cannot afford to lose more nurses or physicians.

Though healthcare workers are trained to handle emergencies, the physical and emotional scars from such incidents leave lasting impressions, physically and emotionally. Nurses, who spend the most time with patients, are particularly vulnerable and often bear the brunt of these violent outbursts.

Legislative efforts and their limitations

Recognizing the severity of the issue, the Kansas Legislature made efforts last year to enhance legal protections for healthcare workers. Previously, violence against a healthcare worker was classified as a Class B misdemeanor. Through advocacy efforts by physicians and hospital leaders, this has been upgraded to a Class A misdemeanor.

However, this change has had little impact on the ground. The perpetrators of violence are often undeterred by these legal distinctions, viewing them as mere slaps on the wrist.

The reality is that for many healthcare workers, the change in classification offers little solace. Reports of police officers refusing to arrest perpetrators unless they personally witness the violence add to the frustration and helplessness felt by medical professionals. This lack of enforcement further emboldens aggressors and perpetuates a cycle of violence.

To effectively address the issue of violence against healthcare workers, a multifaceted approach is required. This includes stronger legislation, better enforcement of existing laws and comprehensive support systems for victims.

Stronger legislation, enforcement, security

There is a pressing need for legislation that imposes harsher penalties on those who commit violence against healthcare workers. Additionally, law enforcement agencies must be mandated to take all reports of healthcare violence seriously, regardless of whether they witness the act. We want violence against healthcare workers to carry the same penalty as violence against police officers.

Hospitals and healthcare facilities are increasingly being forced to invest in better security infrastructure. Itís simply a necessity in this day and age. This includes hiring more trained security personnel, installing surveillance cameras and implementing stricter access controls to sensitive areas. We have all felt and experienced the ever-increasing presence of security over the years, not only in the healthcare setting but throughout society.

Support victims, maintain culture of respect

Do we all need to learn how to better take or dodge a punch? Should we take some combat classes? More de-escalation training? What we want is to work in a peaceful and secure environment where the threat of physical injury is very low on the list of daily concerns.

And although it may be considered too little or too late, psychological support and counseling services for victims of workplace violence are crucial. Healthcare facilities must establish protocols to ensure that employees who experience violence receive the necessary care and support to recover both physically and emotionally.

It is essential to foster a culture of respect and appreciation for healthcare workers. We must enforce a true zero-tolerance policy toward violence in all healthcare settings. We must support each other to keep an atmosphere of professionalism and neighborly civility.

The increasing rates of violence against healthcare workers in Kansas and across the country are a cause for grave concern. While legislative changes are a step in the right direction, they are not enough. A comprehensive approach that includes stronger laws, better enforcement, enhanced security measures, training and support systems is essential to protect those who dedicate their lives to caring for others.

By addressing this issue head-on, we can ensure that healthcare workers feel safe and valued in their workplace, ultimately leading to better patient care and a healthier society.