Workplace violence against nurses in the Emergency Department in a Ghanaian Tertiary Hospital

Abstract

Introduction

Workplace Violence (WPV) is a shared problem in healthcare settings as well as a complex and perilous universal concern, specifically for the nursing profession. Violence in various Emergency Departments (ED) has increased in recent years, with accumulative data of nursing staff exposed to violent behaviors in the health sector that negatively affect the quality of care provided. However, limited research conducted in the Ghanaian context has subdued the understanding of workplace violence and its impact on emergency nurses.

Methods

A qualitative approach, using an explorative-descriptive design to delve into the experiences of nurses who have had WPV at the ED. A purposive sampling technique was used to select 20 participants. Data was collected using a semi-structured interview guide until saturation was attained. Thematic analysis approach was used to analyze the data.

Results

Four themes identified were understanding of WPV, coping strategies, effects on work performance, and experiences and responses to WPV. Participants reported encountering incidences of violence at the workplace. Abuse was perceived as predictable and increasing in intensity and frequency which victims acknowledged significantly affected both their level of devotion to their jobs and capacity to care for patients. The normalization of WPV has led to significant under-reporting of incidents.

Conclusion

The study identified verbal abuse as the leading cause of WPV, which greatly affects the service rendered to patients. Safe working environments, occupational health measures, and effective prevention policies and interventions are needed in emergency department settings.