Violence against health care workforce in COVID and non COVID times:Analysis of predisposing factors

Violence Against Health Care Work Force

Abstract

Background

The prevalence of violence against Health Care Workers (HCW) is showing a rising

trend. Various studies have been done in the recent past shows that the prevalence of

violence against HCW s ranged from 27.4% to 67%. The present study was done to

compare and analyze the underlying causes of violence against HCW in a Non COVID

and COVID situation to identify the commonality if any, and to suggest any remedial

measures.

Methodology

This was cross-sectional analytical design and was carried out in inpatient care areas

of a tertiary care hospital.. The study subjects comprised of Doctors, Nurses, Group C

employees. Data was collected using direct interview method on a standard

questionnaire. In addition various media reports were collected and analyzed through

internet..

Results

Maximum incidents were experienced in emergency and OPD, where staff patient’s

ratio is less. 39.4% incidents were experienced by the staff who were providing care to

the Terminally ill patients ,Mentally and Physically disabled persons & Psychiatric

patients. Suggestion which emerged to reduce WPV are, triage in casualty, availability

of trained security guards, CCTV , restricted visiting hours and limited attendants with

the patients, improvement in patient amenities etc. Whereas in COVID situation the

major reason is the religious and social belief, poor dietary services and lack of

hygiene and sanitation.

Conclusion

There is an urgent and inescapable requirement that the healthcare administrators

should address the underlying precipitating factors of violence, for delivery of quality

healthcare services to the patients in a safe environment.