Workplace aggression prevention and minimisation in Australian clinical medical practice settings – a national study

Abstract

This report describes the extent to which 12 workplace aggression prevention and minimisation actions have been implemented in Australian clinical medical practice settings. Using a cross-sectional, self-report survey conducted as part of a national longitudinal study of the Australian medical workforce, differences in the proportions of medical clinicians reporting the implementation of 12 aggression prevention and minimisation actions in their main workplace were determined. Only one-third of aggression prevention and minimisation actions achieved point-prevalence rates of greater than 60%, including aggression policies and protocols (65.7%) and incident reporting systems (68.2%). Overall, lower point-prevalence rates were detected for general practitioners and specialists compared with hospital non-specialists and specialists in training, largely reflecting those for doctors mainly working in private rooms compared with public hospitals. Key environmental interventions had relatively low point-prevalence overall, including duress alarms and optimised clinician escape in consulting and treatment areas, and after-hours and off-site safety strategies. More widespread adoption of aggression prevention and minimisation measures in medical practice settings is required. Specific legislative and accreditation provisions and funding support may provide the necessary impetus for reform. Further studies can enhance the evidence base on the most effective approaches to the prevention and minimisation of workplace aggression in medical practice settings.