Occupational violence and aggression (OVA) is a pervasive issue in the healthcare sector, affecting the safety and wellbeing of nursing and caring professionals. Research from Monash University sheds light on the prevalence, sources, and predictors of OVA, as well as the critical role of workplace safety measures in mitigating these incidents. This post delves into the key findings of the study, emphasising the importance of addressing role overload, individual safety factors, prioritisation of employee safety, and supervisor support for safety.
The Prevalence of OVA
The study revealed that a staggering 67% of respondents reported experiencing OVA in the preceding 12 months, with nearly 20% facing such incidents on a weekly or daily basis. The dominant sources of OVA were patients (79%) and relatives of patients (48%). These alarming statistics underscore the urgent need for effective interventions to protect healthcare workers from violence and aggression.
Role Overload: A Key Predictor of OVA
Role overload emerged as a significant predictor of OVA in the study. Respondents who experienced higher levels of role overload were more likely to encounter OVA incidents. Role overload refers to the excessive demands placed on employees, which can lead to stress and burnout. The measure used in the study assessed both the volume and pace of employee workload. Higher levels of role overload were associated with an increased likelihood of experiencing OVA, suggesting that employees who are overwhelmed by their workload may be more vulnerable to violent and aggressive incidents.
Individual Safety Factors: Compliance and Motivation
The study also examined individual safety factors, including safety motivation, safety compliance, and safety participation. Interestingly, higher levels of safety compliance were found to reduce the likelihood of experiencing OVA. Safety compliance involves adhering to safety procedures and protocols, which can help prevent violent and aggressive incidents. However, higher levels of safety motivation and safety participation were shown to increase the likelihood of experiencing OVA. This counterintuitive relationship may be explained by the possibility that individuals with higher safety motivation and participation are more proactive and likely to step in to de-escalate OVA situations.
Prioritising Employee Safety: A Crucial Organizational Factor
The study highlighted the importance of prioritizing employee safety in reducing the likelihood of OVA. Workplace safety factors, particularly the prioritisation of employee safety, were found to be more important in reducing the likelihood of OVA than individual safety factors. This suggests that organisations that prioritise staff safety and implement effective occupational health and safety (OHS) policies can significantly reduce the incidence of OVA. Strengthening workplace factors, such as a greater focus on OHS leading indicators and prioritising staff safety, can help protect healthcare workers from violence and aggression.
Supervisor Support for Safety: A Protective Factor
Supervisor support for safety was also identified as a significant factor in reducing the likelihood of OVA. The study used a measure of supervisor support for safety, which included items such as the extent to which supervisors discuss safety, enforce safety policies, and offer safety training. Respondents who perceived greater supervisor support for safety were less likely to have experienced OVA in the past 12 months. This finding underscores the importance of supportive supervisor behaviour in creating a safe working environment and reducing the risk of violent and aggressive incidents.
Implications for Healthcare Organisations
The findings of this study have significant implications for healthcare organisations. To protect their staff from OVA, organisations must prioritise employee safety, address role overload, and provide robust supervisor support for safety. Implementing comprehensive workplace safety measures and policies that address both individual and organisational factors can create a safer and more supportive work environment for healthcare workers.
Conclusion
Occupational violence and aggression is a critical issue that demands immediate attention from healthcare organisations. By addressing role overload, enhancing individual safety compliance, prioritising employee safety, and providing strong supervisor support for safety, organisations can significantly reduce the incidence of OVA and create a safer work environment for their staff. The findings of this study serve as a call to action for healthcare organisations to implement effective interventions and policies to protect their employees from violence and aggression.
Citation of Original Article
Shea T, Sheehan C, Donohue R, Cooper B, De Cieri H. Occupational Violence and Aggression Experienced by Nursing and Caring Professionals. Journal of Nursing Scholarship. 2017; 49(2)236-243.