Violence and aggression prevention and management strategies in renal units: a survey after 10 years

Background

Nursing is considered the healthcare profession at most risk of violence. Violence in the workplace is a complex construct difficult to manage and against health workers has implications for the entire health system. A limited number of studies have evaluated this phenomenon in renal units, and there has been little related work since Zampieron's study of 2010.

Objectives

To describe prevention and management strategies 10 years after the last survey of Zampieron and to identify what has changed in the management of violence.

Design

An observational, cross-sectional study.

Participants

A convenience sample including all nurses participating in the European Dialysis and Transplant Nurses Association/European Renal Care Association Conference of 2019, who understand the English language and have a smartphone or tablet.

Measurements

A questionnaire developed by Zampieron was used. The first part collected data concerning the characteristics of the participants' workplace; the second part included closed questions focused on the strategies of management and prevention of violence.

Results

Violence is still a frequent event in renal units, despite measures adopted as education, training, formal incident reporting procedures and indoor safety measures. Much more has been invested in recent years in the prevention of violence in the workplace through specific courses, which have led to greater complaints and reporting of episodes.

Conclusions

This study shows how actions regarding prevention and management of violence towards nurses have been implemented in renal units over the last 10 years and it suggests the greatest investment in recent years has been made in terms of staff training and education.