Violence against nurses in healthcare facilities in the Czech Republic and Slovakia

Abstract

Aim: To identify the incidence of workplace violence against nurses in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, its sources, ways of dealing with violence against nurses, the intensity of nurse’s psychological problems as a result of their experience of workplace violence. Design: A cross-sectional study. Methods: Workplace Violence in the Health Sector Country Case Study – Questionnaire was used. The sample consisted of 526 nurses from selected healthcare settings in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Data was collected from June to November 2016. Results: Verbal as well physical violence against nurses is a frequent phenomenon in nurses’ workplace in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. We identified statistically significant difference in verbal aggression from patients and higher intensity of nurse’s psychological problems as a result of patients’ aggression. In both countries, we have found an incomplete problem solution by the management of healthcare facilities. Conclusion: Verbal as well physical violence against nurses is a frequent phenomenon in the workplace of Czech and Slovak nurses. The management of healthcare facilities must establish appropriate procedures to reduce the occurrence of this phenomenon.