Emergency Department Crowding as Contributing Factor Related to Patient-Initiated Violence Against Nurses—A Literature Review

Aim

To synthesise how ED crowding contributes to patient-initiated violence against emergency nurses.

Design

Framework synthesis.

Data Sources

A systematic literature search was conducted in the PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL and Scopus databases, covering articles up to 21 March 2024.

Review Methods

A total of 25 articles were reviewed, evaluating study quality using the Crowe Critical Appraisal Tool and employing a framework synthesis approach to chart and synthesise data.

Results

The review identifies key factors linking emergency department crowding to patient-initiated violence, focusing on crowding conditions, vulnerable populations and adverse outcomes. It emphasises the importance of multidimensional assessments, including input, throughput, output stages and staffing characteristics. Special attention is needed for patients with severe symptoms who are triaged into lower priority categories, as their perceptions of injustice and dissatisfaction may increase the risk of aggressive behaviour. However, limited information is available regarding the perspectives of patients' family members.

Conclusion

Accurate assessments of emergency department crowding and a thorough understanding of cognitive and emotional changes in high-risk patients are essential to develop strategies to manage patient-initiated violence effectively.

Impact

This review improves emergency nurses' understanding of the dynamics of patient-initiated violence in crowded emergency departments, equipping them with knowledge to better anticipate and respond to such incidents. It also offers insights that are crucial for enhancing nursing practices and ensuring workplace safety, thereby supporting the development of future emergency safety strategies.

No Patient or Public Contribution

As this is a systematic review and framework synthesis, there was no direct patient or public involvement.