Risk Factors
Although anyone working in a hospital may become a victim of violence, nurses and aides who have the most direct contact with patients are at higher risk. Other hospital personnel at increased risk of violence include emergency response personnel, hospital safety officers, and all health care providers.
There are some common risk factors for violence in a hospital.
The risk factors for violence vary from hospital to hospital, depending on location, size, and type of care. Common risk factors for hospital violence include the following:
- working directly with volatile people, especially, if they are under the influence of drugs or alcohol or have a history of violence or specific psychotic diagnoses
- working when understaffed, especially during mealtimes and visiting hours
- transporting patients
- long waits for service
- overcrowded, uncomfortable waiting rooms
- working alone
- poor environmental design
- inadequate security
- lack of staff training and policies for preventing and managing crises with potentially volatile patients
- drug and alcohol abuse
- access to firearms
- unrestricted movement of the public
- poorly lit corridors, rooms, parking lots, and other areas
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
1-2. What hospital workers have the greatest risk of becoming a victim of workplace violence?
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