AHA Rolls Out Workplace Violence Guidelines

Framework addresses four critical areas: trauma support, a culture of safety, violence intervention and risk mitigation

By Dan Hounsell, Senior Editor


As facilities managers in hospitals and other healthcare buildings continue to address rising threat of workplace violence, the American Hospital Association (AHA) recently rolled out a new anti-violence framework using four pillars to protect patients, staff and visitors.

The framework consists of four critical pillars necessary for implementing comprehensive violence mitigation strategies: trauma support, a culture of safety, violence intervention and risk mitigation. It seeks to prioritize physical and psychological safety of the workforce and the communities they serve, recognizing that the work of hospitals also takes place outside of their physical walls.

“Hospitals and health systems, because they are always there to serve, are not immune to violence. Hospitals and health systems are places where patients come to heal, and that includes treating patients who are victims of violence,” says Mary Beth Kingston, chair of the AHA’s Hospitals Against Violence advisory group. “Healthcare providers also experience violence, which now seems to be exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, as enforcing mask and visitor requirements collide with health care workers who are enduring long shifts with less time off.

“These increased tensions in the hospital setting make it difficult to mitigate workplace violence. It begs the question: What kind of care is provided to our health care workers when they experience trauma?”

The framework is preventive, responsive and continual, calling for ongoing support from leadership and buy-in from the workforce, she says, adding that with its use, leaders can care for the caregivers while also making the community safer.



October 26, 2021


Topic Area: Safety


Recent Posts

Legionella Detected at Michigan Health Facility

Case follows a similar finding of Legionnaires’ disease in a former patient.


Crystal Spring Tower Opens at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital

The new cardiovascular institute improves access and care across the region.


Hospital Evacuation Highlights Importance of Emergency Preparedness

Berger Hospital was evacuated after smoke was discovered in the basement.


Building a Culture of Infection Prevention

Investing in infection prevention can benefit healthcare organizations and patient outcomes.


Ground Broken on Sanford Health Fargo's Peltier Lodge

The 28,400-square-foot facility will feature spaces to support patients and loved ones during treatment and throughout their outpatient care and monitoring.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.