Are Healthcare Professionals Optimistic about Workplace Violence?

Abstract

Healthcare workers are at an elevated risk of workplace violence. Optimistic bias is the misperception that bad things happen to other people. This article discusses the study methods that included a convenience sample (n = 488) of healthcare professionals in multiple hospitals in one region. A survey of these professionals to explore potential bias related to workplace violence found that participants exhibited realistic (or pessimistic) risk perception about the likelihood of experiencing workplace violence. Front-line workers (e.g., nurses and interns) exhibited pessimistic bias, believing they were more likely than professionals in other fields to experience physical violence at work. Risk perception was related to age with young professionals being more optimistic. The discussion section offers implications for practice to incorporate safety measures that can mitigate risk of workplace violence.