Unveiling the veil: Exploring experiences of patient-initiated workplace violence in long-term care and mental health and substance use settings.
Farinaz Havaei, Nassim Adhami, Megan Kaulius and 8 others
PMID 39973669WHAT IT FOUND
Staff and families in long-term care and mental health settings linked violence to rushed personal care, privacy violations, and poor communication about behavioral history.
They identified specific early warning signs like pacing or sudden silence. The study highlights system gaps rather than testing interventions.
Key findings
01Cognitive impairment and neurodevelopmental conditions were cited by all participants as primary contributors to violence, with dementia in long-term care and substance withdrawal or psychosis in mental health settings.
02Personal care activities in long-term care, such as showering and changing, were the most reported context for violence, often triggered by residents' desire to protect their privacy.
03Participants identified observable warning signs of impending violence, including fast walking, pacing, refusing care verbally or nonverbally, screaming, and sudden quietness.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTsWhat it means for OTsWhat it means for SLPs
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What it does not show
The study did not recruit any patients or residents as participants, relying instead on healthcare workers, witnesses, and family members. The sample size was small, with only 16 participants interviewed across three specific sites in British Columbia. Findings are based on self-reported experiences and may not generalize to other healthcare settings or regions. The study describes perceptions and experiences but does not test whether any of the suggested interventions reduce violence.
Declared interests
Funding was provided by a WorkSafe BC Applied Innovation Grant. The authors declared no potential conflicts of interest.
The easy way to misread this
Do not interpret the identified warning signs or contributing factors as evidence that specific interventions will reduce violence. This study describes perceptions and experiences but did not test any prevention strategies.