Abstract

IntroductionWorkplace violence (WPV) is defined as any act in which a person is abused, threatened, intimidated, or assaulted during their employment. Despite an absence of published evidence, radiation therapists (RTs) are considered a “low-risk” profession for WPV. The aim of this research was to determine the incidence, severity, and impact of WPV on RTs perpetrated by patients and/or their caregivers. Materials and MethodsA cross-sectional online questionnaire, based on established components of WPV, was distributed via e-mail to all RTs in a large, urban cancer clinic. The questionnaire was divided into the five categories of WPV and asked about the frequency, severity, perpetrator, location, and impact of WPV. ResultsSeventy-eight responses were received from a department of 165 RTs (47% response rate). Fifty-nine RTs reported experiencing at least one verbal abuse event during their career. Twenty-five reported experiencing a verbal threat at least once, 46 reported at least one occasion of harassing behaviour, and 18 experienced a threatening action at least once. Five RTs reported suffering from at least one physical assault. The majority of this WPV took place on the treatment unit, with the patient as the perpetrator, and was not reported by the RT. High numbers of RTs reported suffering from stress (35), frustration (34), and anxiety (29) as a consequence of WPV. ConclusionsThe close, longitudinal relationship between RTs and cancer patients puts RTs at considerable risk of experiencing multiple WPV events during their career. WPV is infrequently reported by RTs, perhaps linked to the belief that excellent patient care requires you to accept and excuse poor behaviour by patients. Prevention programs and de-escalation training are needed for RTs, but short-term measures such as shift or unit changes may prevent multiple WPV exposures which are associated with an increased risk of emotional and psychological sequelae.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.