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.
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