Prevalence and prevention of workplace aggression in Australian clinical medical practice
Danny J. Hills A C , Catherine M. Joyce A and John S. Humphreys B
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Level 6, Alfred Centre, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne VIC 3004, Australia. Email: catherine.joyce@monash.edu
B School of Rural Health, Monash University, PO Box 666, Bendigo, VIC 3552, Australia. Email: john.humphreys@monash.edu
C Corresponding author. Email: danny.hills@monash.edu
Australian Health Review 35(3) 253-261 https://doi.org/10.1071/AH10983
Submitted: 1 December 2010 Accepted: 1 March 2011 Published: 25 August 2011
Abstract
Objective. To determine the extent of aggression directed towards Australian doctors and the implementation of aggression prevention and minimisation strategies in medical workplaces.
Methods. Data were obtained from the pilot phase (n = 321) of the Medicine in Australia: Balancing Employment and Life survey of the clinical medical workforce in 2010. Descriptive statistics were generated in relation to doctors’ experiences of aggression at work in the previous 12 months, and the implementation of workplace aggression prevention and minimisation strategies. Distributions of the outcome variables were evaluated by doctor type and sex.
Results. More than 70% of doctors experienced verbal or written aggression and almost a third experienced physical aggression. Higher proportions of hospital non-specialists and specialists-in-training experienced aggression from patients, patient relatives or carers and co-workers. Higher proportions of female doctors experienced verbal or written aggression from patient relatives or carers and co-workers. Overall, the more basic aggression prevention and minimisation strategies had been implemented in approximately two-thirds of clinical settings, with lower rates for more extended strategies.
Conclusions. Many Australian doctors experience workplace aggression. The more widespread adoption of measures that support the prevention and minimisation of aggression in medical practice settings appears necessary.
What is known about the topic? The limited research on workplace aggression in Australian medical practice primarily focusses on the prevalence of patient aggression in General Practice.
What does this paper add? Current evidence is provided on the extent of workplace aggression directed towards Australian doctors from multiple sources and the implementation of workplace aggression prevention and minimisation strategies in diverse clinical settings.
What are the implications for practitioners? More concerted efforts need to be undertaken to ensure that effective aggression prevention and minimisation strategies are implemented in medical practice.
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