Violence against doctors: attacks on the rise
From physical aggression to verbal threats, the range of violence against health workers is increasing
The attack suffered by a doctor during a home visit to Minervino di Lecce is only the latest, sad episode of a long series of violence against health workers. An alarming phenomenon that is jeopardising the safety of those who care for patients every day.
An unstoppable escalation
From physical aggression to verbal threats, the range of violence is wide and increasingly frequent. Not only in overcrowded, pressurized emergency rooms, but also in clinics, patients’ homes and even online.
The causes of a complex phenomenon
The underlying causes of this phenomenon are manifold and interrelated. First, there is the problem of overcrowding in emergency rooms, which generates frustration and aggression both among patients and their families. This is compounded by a shortage of health care personnel, who are often working under stress and overstrain, with repercussions on the quality of performance and the ability to manage difficult situations.
Another important factor is cultural change. The increase in violence in society, the loss of respect for institutions and the spread of a culture of the immediate and the claim contribute to create a climate of tension and aggression. In addition, patients’ unrealistic expectations, often fuelled by contradictory information and poor communication, can generate frustration and anger.
The consequences for doctors and the health system
The consequences of attacks on doctors are many and go far beyond the physical damage suffered by the victim. In fact, the attacks cause:
- A strong psychological impact: Trauma, anxiety, fear of retaliation that can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder
- Decreased quality of care: Doctors, frightened and demotivated, may be less attentive and less willing to take care of patients
- Disertation: More and more doctors decide to leave the profession or to limit their activity, with consequent staff shortages and difficulties in accessing care
- Increased costs: Aggressions result in additional costs for the health system, related to emergency management, replacement of absent staff and legal expenses
What can be done to reverse this trend?
To counter this phenomenon, action is needed at several levels:
- Increase safety in health facilities: Increased presence of security personnel, installation of video surveillance systems, robbery alarms and alarm buttons
- Training in conflict management: To provide doctors and health personnel with training to better manage situations of tension and conflict
- Awareness campaigns: Promote a culture of respect and non-violence, involving schools, media and institutions
- Improved working conditions: Reduce workload, ensure shorter shifts and adequate work spaces
- Psychological support: Offer a path of psychological support to the attacked doctors
- More severe penalties: Apply more severe penalties to aggressors, so as to discourage other violent behaviour
- Collaboration between institutions: A synergy between health institutions, law enforcement and politics is essential to effectively address the problem
An appeal to accountability
Violence against doctors is a problem that concerns us all. It is essential that institutions, citizens and the media come together to create a climate of greater respect and solidarity for health workers. This is the only way to ensure that everyone receives quality and safe healthcare.