Brief Summary
Martinez (2016) reviews major hazards that clinicians face during work and discusses possible interventions to reduce negative consequences. Patient attacks, both physical and verbal, are among the most known types of violence in a health care setting. Nurses experiencing aggression or violence have to deal with psychological as well as physical traumas apart from being pressured to continue working with patients; furthermore, patient violence is often underreported. Interventions include staff education focused on de-escalation practices, universal precautions, protective equipment, and risk identification.
Key Issue
Workplace violence.
Resolution
The author provides some ways to resolve the issue but does not establish the best way to do that. According to Martinez (2016), additional research is necessary to find which intervention is the most effective. The scholar notes that most programs are targeted at nurses, raising their awareness of patient violence. For example, some clinics teach their staff to de-escalate the situation verbally and use model problem solving to be prepared for various situations. Others implement a universal precautions list where clothing guidelines, standing position, safe distance, and protective equipment are mentioned. Patient surveillance and metal detectors are reviewed as means to make the environment safe for nurses.
Tie-In
The problem of workplace violence is closely connected to the experience of every health care professional. Patients can be in a different mental state, while in the hospital. They may be aggressive due to frustration, medication, or other issues both related and unrelated to health. Therefore, this article’s discussion can be tied to my practice as well – as a medical specialist, I often find myself in situations where risks have to be assessed quickly and effectively to resolve tension and protect myself and other staff from verbal and physical violence.
Reference
Martinez, A. J. S. (2016). Managing workplace violence with evidence-based interventions: A literature review. Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 54(9), 31-36.