Workplace Violence in Healthcare

act or threat occurring at the workplace that can include any of the following:

- verbal

- nonverbal

- written

- physical aggression

workplace violence

defined as repeated, health-harming mistreatment by one or more employees, including verbal abuse and intimidating, threatening, or humiliating behaviors

workplace bullying

workplace bullying → The term _______ is quantified as occurring at least twice a week over a six-month period

repeated

true or false: bullying is more prevalent than sexual harassment in the workplace.

true

what are the 5 categories of bullying behavior?

1. threat to professional status

2. threat to personal standing

3. isolation

4. overwork

5. destabilization.

manifestation of threats to ______ status within the workplace include:

- belittling opinions

-public professional humiliation

professional

manifestation of threats to ______ standing within the workplace include:

- Gossiping about you

- Name calling

- Insults

personal

manifestation of _____ within the workplace include:

- Preventing access to opportunities for leave or training

- Physical or social isolation

- Withholding of information

isolation

manifestation of _____ within the workplace include:

- Undue pressure to produce work

- Impossible deadlines

- Unnecessary disruptions

overwork

manifestation of _____ within the workplace include:

- Failure to give credit where credit is due

- Meaningless tasks

- Removal or responsibilities

destabilization

the _______ consequences of bullying on the employee

- frequent headaches

- gastrointestinal problems

- sleep disturbances

- fatigue

- cardiovascular disease

- manifestations of compromised immune system

physical

the _______ consequences of bullying on the employee

- decreased self-esteem

- PTSD

- depression

- increased risk of suicide

psychological

the consequences of bullying on the ____

- decreased morale

- decreased productivity

- reduced creativity and ability to solve complex problems

- dysfunctional teams

- absenteeism

- presenteeism

unit

the consequences of bullying on the ____

- increased turnover rate

- compromised safety

- legal actions

- decreased patient satisfaction

- damage to reputation

organization

strategies to prevent bullying at the _____ level:

- education and self assessment

- create a supportive culture and work environment → support a "just culture"

- practice zero-tolerance of bullying and act promptly → ensure accountability

- lead by example & train other managers on conflict resolution

- utilize HR resources → policies, posters, fact sheets

manager

strategies to prevent bullying at the _____ level:

- support a code of conduct

- create a strong sense of community

- adoption of zero-tolerance policy regarding bullying

- establish policies and procedures for reporting, investigating and resolving complaints in a timely manner

organizational

policy framework to prevent bullying → a framework designed to guide hospitals to create effective systems to prevent workplace violence.

Workplace Violence Prevention Standards

policy framework to prevent bullying → legislative bill that aims to provide legal recourse for employees facing workplace bullying.

Healthy Workplace Bill (HWB)

Healthy Workplace Bill (HWB) → allows employees to ____ employers for exposure to harmful work environments

sue

_____ _____ → unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature

sexual harassment

type of sexual harassment → ______ _______

Verbal & nonverbal behaviors that convey hostility or exclusion based on gender

gender harrassment

type of sexual harassment → ______ _______ ______

Verbal or physical unwanted sexual advances that can escalate to assault

unwanted sexual attention

type of sexual harassment → ______ _______

Favorable treatment conditioned on sexual activity

sexual coercion

Quid Pro Quo Sexual Harassment → form of harassment occurs when employment benefits are conditioned on ______ favors; involves a direct exchange where submission to or rejection of such conduct influences employment decisions.

sexual

Hostile Work Environment Sexual Harassment → does not directly affect economic benefits but creates an ______ or ______ working environment, impacting the victim's ability to work effectively.

offensive; hostile

_________ behaviors include:

- lewd (sexually inappropriate) comments

-- gossip about personal relationships & sex life

- displays of pornography

- unwanted touching or sexual gestures

hostile

Inappropriate Sexual Behavior (IPSB) → defined as inappropriate verbal or physical sexual nature committed by a ____ that's directed at the clinician, staff or other patient within an healthcare setting

patient

common _____ of IPSB:

- staring / leering suggestive & overtly sexual remarks

- date request

- sexual gestures

- request of sexual activity

- deliberate inappropriate touch

forms

______ of IPSB:

- decreased productivity

- distraction

- loss of motivation

- resignations

- lawsuits

consequences

responses to sexual harassment:

- always _____

- stop the interaction immediately

- remove yourself from the situation

- talk to supervisors

- talk it through immediately

- file formal report

document

________ → designed to combat sexual harassment in various environments, particularly within organizations; emphasizes a comprehensive approach to address sexual misconduct by focusing on prevention, reporting mechanisms, and support systems for victims.

ERASE

ERASE → ____

expect misbehavior and make a plan for protection

E

ERASE → ____

recognize misconduct and inappropriate behaviors

R

ERASE → ____

address behaviors when they occur

A

ERASE → ____

support your colleagues when you see misconduct

S

ERASE → ____

establish / encourage, advocate for workshop, policies

E

strategies to prevent patient _______

- clearly identify yourself

- clear communication → use interpreter services when needed

- ensure informed consent

- practice cultural responsiveness

- know and abide by patient's rights

- use third party witnesses when appropriate

- educate all physicians and staff on grievance and processes

grievance

3 step process for _____

1. explain what you are planning to do

2. explain why you feel this action is necessary

3. ask for understanding & consent

consent

patient rights → Right to receive care in a safe setting an be free from all forms of ____ and ______

abuse; harassment

patient rights → Right to _____ care

respectful

patient rights → Right to good _____ care and high ______ standard

quality; professional