The risk of assault to physiotherapists: beyond zero tolerance?

Abstract Violence and aggression are unfortunate yet common occurrences in general healthcare settings across the world. Physical assault is arguably the most distressing aspect and can have profound physical, psychological and emotional consequences. All staff who have contact with patients are at...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Physiotherapy 2009-06, Vol.95 (2), p.134-139
Main Authors: Stubbs, Brendon, Winstanley, Sue, Alderman, Nick, Birkett-Swan, Louise
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aggression
Assault
At risk
Burnout, Professional
Fear - psychology
Health care
Health Personnel - psychology
Health Personnel - statistics & numerical data
Humans
Management strategies
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Physical Therapy Specialty
Physiotherapists
Professional-Patient Relations
Risk
Students
Students, Health Occupations
Violence
Violence - prevention & control
Violence - statistics & numerical data
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Summary:Abstract Violence and aggression are unfortunate yet common occurrences in general healthcare settings across the world. Physical assault is arguably the most distressing aspect and can have profound physical, psychological and emotional consequences. All staff who have contact with patients are at risk, including physiotherapists. Violence against nursing and medical staff has received much attention, yet the scope of debate and discussion within the physiotherapy profession has been limited. This paper outlines relevant literature on violence and aggression within healthcare environments, and raises potential strategies that may help staff to deal with these behaviours. Discussion also highlights why physiotherapists may be at risk of aggression and violence, and calls for changes to be made to prepare physiotherapy students more effectively for such behaviour.
ISSN:0031-9406
1873-1465
DOI:10.1016/j.physio.2008.12.005