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Breaking the cycle: Preventing workplace violence against healthcare workers

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Workplace violence (WPV) in healthcare is a growing crisis, and hospital-based approaches are urgently needed. We review two recently published efforts and describe our own pathway to address WPV. Sahota et al. implemented a specialized team and leveraged individualized care plans for high-risk patients, while Littlefield et al. took a policy-driven approach, enabling administrative discharge of disruptive patients. Our pathway utilized patient-centered anticipatory guidance, staff de-escalation training, and a behavioral emergency response. All three approaches illustrate that WPV prevention must move beyond reactive protocols and pivot to proactive, patient-informed solutions.

Source: Journal of Hospital Medicine

DOI: 10.1002/jhm.70167

Authors: Christina T. Vo, Karen Brooks, Emmanuel King

Institutions: Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, University of Pennsylvania

Language: English

Topic: Workplace Violence and Bullying

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,400