Patient Safety & Nursing Healthcare

Biography

Biography: Melissa Pennington

Abstract

Statement: Workplace violence by patients and visitors toward healthcare staff has increased significantly in recent years.  Approximately 20% of workplace violence incidents are reported by staff due to time constraints and fear of retribution.  Increased violence has led to higher rates of turnover, burnout and an unhealthy work environment.  Ultimately it impacts the quality of care by reducing patient satisfaction and the potential for patient harm.

Methodology: An interprofessional approach was utilized to develop a comprehensive plan for reduction of workplace violence incidents across the organization using an “All hands on deck” process.  A Workplace Violence Forum was established with representatives from nursing, administration and non-nursing departments.

Solution:The workplace violence prevention plan and timeline was developed and included the following strategies: 1) employee de-escalation education and training, 2) visitor badging and wanding system, 3) enhanced security and sheriff coverage in the emergency department and main hospital lobby, 4)  badge reader entry for the critical care unit, 5) redesigned ED behavioral health area, 6) revised workplace violence, family presence and visitation policies, 7) updated patient rights and responsibilities and 8) community and staff education on workplace violence.

Findings: Post–implementation of the violence prevention strategies the rate of employee workplace violence incidents decreased to 0.64 per 1000 patients days/visits by June 2018 with continued sustained improvement. The “All hands on deck” process introduced a culture of safety housewide and the workplace violence prevention plan increased reprting of violent incidents, decreased burnout and created a healthy work environment.