In recent years, the issue of workplace violence against healthcare workers has garnered significant attention worldwide. A recent study conducted in China sheds light on the prevalence and risk factors of physical violence faced by general practitioners and nurses in township hospitals. This study, led by Xing Kai and colleagues, provides valuable insights into the challenges faced by healthcare workers in rural China and underscores the urgent need for effective intervention strategies.
The Study
The study, titled “Physical Violence against General Practitioners and Nurses in Chinese Township Hospitals: A Cross-Sectional Survey,” involved a sample of 442 general practitioners and 398 general nurses from 90 township hospitals in Heilongjiang province. The findings revealed that 12.6% of respondents reported being physically attacked in their workplace in the previous 12 months. Most perpetrators were the patients’ relatives (62.3%), followed by the patients themselves (22.6%). Alarmingly, about 56.6% of physical violence incidents resulted in physical injury.
Risk Factors and Reporting
The study identified several risk factors associated with physical violence. General nurses, healthcare workers aged 35 years or younger, and those with higher-level professional titles were more likely to experience physical violence. Additionally, healthcare workers with direct physical contact with patients had a higher risk of encountering violence. Despite the prevalence of such incidents, the reporting of workplace violence to superiors or authorities was notably low, with only 9.4% of respondents reporting such incidents. Furthermore, most respondents (62.8%) did not receive training on how to avoid workplace violence.
Implications for China’s Healthcare System
The findings of this study have significant implications for China’s healthcare system, particularly in rural areas. Physical violence in township hospitals is an occupational hazard that poses a serious threat to the well-being of healthcare workers. To address this issue, it is crucial to implement policies, procedures, and intervention strategies aimed at preventing and managing workplace violence. This includes providing training for healthcare workers on how to handle violent situations, establishing clear reporting mechanisms, and ensuring that incidents of violence are promptly addressed.
Limitations of the Study
While the study provides valuable insights, it is important to acknowledge its limitations. The research was limited to one province in China and to only 90 purposively selected township hospitals in Heilongjiang province. As a result, the findings cannot be generalized to all township hospitals in China. Additionally, recall bias may have existed due to the data collection method, which involved questionnaires and participants needing to recall events in the last 12 months.
Conclusion
The study by Xing Kai and colleagues highlights the pressing issue of physical violence against healthcare workers in China’s township hospitals. By understanding the prevalence and risk factors associated with such violence, we can take meaningful steps to protect healthcare workers and ensure a safer working environment. As China continues to develop its healthcare system, addressing workplace violence must be a priority to safeguard the well-being of those who dedicate their lives to caring for others.
Citation
Xing K, Jiao M, Ma H, Qiao H, Hao Y, Li Y, et al. (2015) Physical Violence against General Practitioners and Nurses in Chinese Township Hospitals: A Cross-Sectional Survey. PLoS ONE 10 (11): e0142954. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0142954
Personal Note
In Western society, we tend to look at countries like China, Pakistan, Nigeria, Turkey, etc. as being different, and therefore, their research doesn’t relate to us. But the research from these countries consistently highlights the same systemic contributing factors. Workplace Violence may be subject to local context to some degree, of course. But there are some very consistent risk factors globally.