Working together to prevent workplace violence and advocate for health care policies that promote a culture of safety and respect
The American Osteopathic Association is deeply committed to fostering safe and respectful work environments for all health care professionals. Workplace violence, whether physical or verbal, poses a significant threat to the well-being of health care workers and undermines the quality of patient care.
Health care professionals deserve to work in an environment free from fear, intimidation and aggression.
We urge health care organizations to implement comprehensive policies and procedures to prevent and address workplace violence effectively. This includes providing training to staff on conflict resolution, de-escalation techniques and recognizing warning signs of potential violence. Additionally, we encourage the establishment of reporting mechanisms to ensure that incidents of violence are promptly addressed within your organization.
To address these issues, the AOA and SaferCare Texas have developed a comprehensive resource guide for mitigating risks associated with workplace violence.
Workplace violence in health care settings has emerged as a growing concern, with incidents occurring at a significantly higher rate than in other industries. A 2022 American College of Emergency Physicians poll of more than 30,000 emergency physicians found that emergency department violence was up 24% when compared to a similar poll conducted in 2018. The poll also demonstrated that violence in health care was not exclusive to physicians, as 60% of those who have experienced violence are nurses.
In response to this critical issue, the American Osteopathic Association has partnered with SaferCare Texas, the patient safety department of the University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, to develop a comprehensive resource guide to provide evidence-based strategies for mitigating risks associated with workplace violence.
“Our health care workers dedicate their lives to caring for others, and they deserve to feel safe while doing so,” said Justin Burton, SaferCare Texas Director. “By taking proactive steps today, we can create a safer future for both caregivers and patients.”
The guide, Workplace Well-being: Toolkit for Healthcare Professionals on Workplace Violence and De-escalation, offers valuable tools for health care professionals, administrators and frontline workers, equipping them with the knowledge needed to recognize, prevent and address workplace violence while ensuring patient safety and improving overall care delivery.
Questions about the AOA Patient Safety Organization?
Contact Karen Silvestri at (312) 202-8130 or [email protected].