Growing rates of healthcare workers are experiencing physical and psychological injury as a result of workplace violence related to resident care. A staggering 95% of healthcare workers have reported exposure to aggression. However, research has found that workplace violence is underreported, signifying that actual rates may be much higher and cause for concern.
In order to decrease violent and sometimes, combative outbursts of residents that can lead to injury, healthcare workers must understand the underlying triggers that precede the aggressive behavior. There are three main types of triggers:
Being aware of the triggers that can precede a violent outburst and knowing how to avoid these triggers can be instrumental in preventing injury to healthcare workers. Collaborating with the entire healthcare team and providing a specific resident-centered approach can decrease outbursts and keep healthcare workers, as well as the residents they care for, safe.
The AssuredPartners Senior Living team has developed a resource to help senior living communities understand the triggers and different interventions that can be utilized. For a copy of this resource, please contact our team.
Reference: Brown, B. & Kain, E. (2019). A Role for Occupational Therapy Practitioners in Mitigating Episodes of Workplace Violence in Health Care. American Occupational Therapy Association SIS Quarterly Practice Connections. 4, 31-33.
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