Abstract
Workplace violence against healthcare professionals is an escalating global issue, with increasing concern. In India, the frequency and severity of such incidents have reached alarming levels. This study explores the prevalence, patterns, and departmental distribution of workplace violence among doctors, alongside its potential impact on healthcare delivery. Based on a survey of 326 doctors, the study found that 80.4% had experienced some form of violence, with verbal abuse being most common. This article highlights the pressing need for systemic intervention and policy reform to safeguard healthcare providers.
Introduction (Workplace violence) :
Medical professionals, particularly doctors, are increasingly subjected to threats, abuse, and physical attacks by patients or their attendants. In India, this problem is pervasive, with up to 75% of doctors having reportedly encountered some form of violence in their career. Such hostile environments not only endanger the wellbeing of doctors but also hamper patient care. This study investigates the prevalence, nature, and causes of workplace violence among doctors in India and discusses its potential impact on patient management.
Results
- Overall Prevalence of workplace violence
Of the 326 doctors surveyed, 262 (80.4%) reported experiencing at least one instance of workplace violence in their careers. - Verbal Abuse
Verbal violence emerged as the most prevalent form, affecting 80.4% of the participants. Notably, 6.7% reported experiencing verbal abuse daily, 14.5% weekly, 20.9% monthly, 21.8% biannually, and 16.5% annually. - Physical Violence
Physical violence was reported by 21.7% of respondents. Among them, 5.5% faced physical assaults monthly, while 16.5% experienced such incidents once every six months or less. All participants subjected to physical violence had also encountered verbal abuse. - Departmental Analysis
- Verbal abuse was most rampant in the Paediatrics Department, with 96.2% of doctors reporting such incidents.
- Physical violence was most frequently reported in the Casualty Department, affecting 29.1% of its doctors.
- Non-surgical departments reported a higher prevalence of harassment than surgical ones.
- Causative Factors
- Delay in treatment (actual or perceived) was the leading cause of violence (33.8%).
- Patient death was the second most common cause (32.6%).
- Non-improvement or deterioration in patient condition accounted for 23.9%.
- Incorrect perceptions about treatment were cited in 9.7% of cases.
- Department-specific causes included:
- Casualty, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Orthopaedics: Delay in treatment.
- Medicine and Surgery: Worsening of patient’s condition.
- Paediatrics: Death of the patient.
Discussion
The findings indicate an alarming rate of workplace violence against doctors, especially in casualty and paediatrics. The frequent occurrence of both verbal and physical abuse signals a mistrust and emotional volatility among patients and attendants, often triggered by delays or negative outcomes. This reflects not only systemic issues such as understaffing and infrastructure deficits but also a lack of public understanding of the limitations and uncertainties in medical practice.
The psychological and professional impact of such violence on healthcare workers is profound. Continuous exposure to abuse may lead to burnout, defensive medicine, diminished empathy, and impaired decision-making—all of which compromise patient care.
Conclusion
Workplace violence against doctors in India is a critical issue that demands urgent policy intervention and institutional reform. Protective legislation, public awareness campaigns, and improved hospital infrastructure must be prioritized. Furthermore, there is a need for establishing effective reporting mechanisms and providing psychological support to affected healthcare workers.
Recommendations
- Policy and Legal Reforms: Strict implementation of laws protecting healthcare professionals from assault.
- Infrastructure Improvements: Enhanced staffing, patient flow management, and emergency response systems.
- Training Programs: Communication and conflict de-escalation training for healthcare workers.
- Public Awareness: Campaigns to educate the public about the realities of medical care.
- Support Systems: Counseling and legal support for victims of workplace violence.
Reference :
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- Pattern of workplace violence against doctors practising modern medicine and the subsequent impact on patient care, in India. Kaur A, Ahamed F, Sengupta P, Majhi J, Ghosh T. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0239193. PLoS One. 2020;15:0. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0239193.
[DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar] - The Prevalence of Violence Against Resident Doctors and Its Subsequent Effects on Patient Management in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Delhi, India https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10272938/
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