Healthcare Facilities Addressing Workplace Violence

As if the COVID-19 pandemic isn't enough.

Hospitals and other healthcare facilities already facing organizational, logistical and financial pressures also are taking steps to address another potential threat to the healthcare workforce: workplace violence. While workplace violence can occur in any organization in any industry, it's about four times more prevalent in healthcare than in other industries, according to data compiled by the Cleveland Clinic. 

What makes the issue especially thorny in a healthcare setting is that it can come from someone outside of the organization who harbors criminal intent, someone within the organization who commits violence against a coworker, or someone with a relationship to a caregiver or team member, according to Healthcare Finance News. 

At the Cleveland Clinic, the approach to addressing these problems starts with leadership. A central steering committee drives initiatives and supports local teams addressing the issue. Looking at data and staff education, team members provide annual reports on the data and share best practices within the health system. This filters down into resources for employees that are available in print at their workstations or online in various training modules.

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