Patient violence
Many healthcare providers would agree that patient violence is on the rise. In a recent Medscape poll, nearly 9 in 10 physicians reported that they had experienced one or more violent or potentially violent incidents in the past year. When physicians and healthcare staff experience violence, they become less trusting of their patients.
Decreased physician-patient trust, an article in MDedge, examined the increase in patient violence and the impact this increase had on providers and their ability to connect to their patients in a trusting and compassionate manner. This decrease in trust negatively impacted the physician-patient relationship. The article looked at factors contributing to this increase in violence. Practicing empathy and showing the patient you are on their side is one of the best ways to defuse volatile situations.
Medical Mutual's practice tip Workplace Violence Management in Healthcare provides helpful guidance on reducing the risk of workplace violence.