Healthcare workers’ safety and emotional exhaustion: Exploring the impact of violence and trust in emergency departments

Abstract

Background In the challenging and often high-stress environment of emergency departments (EDs), healthcare workers (HCWs) frequently encounter a concerning issue of workplace violence (WPV). This study delves into the effects of WPV management and safety on the emotional well-being of ED HCWs. Methods Data collected between 15 March 2023 and 15 May 2023 from 186 HCWs across Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pediatrics, and Adult EDs are analyzed. The survey includes the Safety and Confidence Scale (SCS) to gauge HCWs' perceptions of violence and the Job-Related Emotional Exhaustion Scale (JREES). Results Key findings highlight the prevalence of various forms of WPV in the ED, such as verbal violence (77.4%), threats, and insults (68.8%), with patients and their relatives identified as the primary perpetrators. Male HCWs scored significantly higher on the Violence Management and Safety (VMS) scale compared to their female counterparts. Conclusions In summary, within the demanding ED setting, this study sheds light on the profound impact of WPV on HCWs' emotional exhaustion and their overall sense of safety. It underscores the urgent need to build trust and bolster support mechanisms to alleviate emotional exhaustion among HCWs. Addressing WPV in the ED is paramount for the mental well-being of healthcare workers, particularly when faced with violence from patients and their families.