Proactive Workplace Violence Prevention in Health Care: A Quality Improvement Project.

Abstract

Background: Workplace violence negatively affects health care quality, staff health, and institutional costs.

Local problem: Our nursing unit had 151 workplace violence incidents reported in 2022, which led to 59 missed workdays and financial losses. Existing policies and training programs were insufficient to address this issue effectively.

Methods: To reduce workplace violence, we piloted a data-driven intervention and measured workplace violence incidence, associated costs, and hospital length of stay before, during, and after the intervention.

Interventions: We improved documentation systems, updated the policy and procedures for responses to violent incidents, and created a behavioral safety management plan that was initiated when the risk of violence was identified by a registered nurse.

Results: Violent incidents decreased by 37%, and assault-related injuries decreased to 0 in 2023, resulting in a cost savings of $29 891.

Conclusions: Our quality improvement intervention reduced workplace violence and fostered a safer health care environment.