PAHO warns of persistent violence against healthcare personnel

According to PAHO, about 62 percent of healthcare workers worldwide have experienced some form of violence at work. Verbal violence is the most common and is reported by 58 percent of respondents. About 33 percent faced threats and 12 percent sexual harassment.

During a regional meeting on the issue, attended by about 400 participants from 34 countries, it was stressed that violence against healthcare personnel often still goes unreported and is even regarded as part of the job within some institutions.

A study in 22 countries, including 20 countries in Latin America, found that 66.7 percent of surveyed healthcare workers had experienced some form of aggression in the preceding year. In about one in ten cases, this involved physical violence.

“Violence against health workers must not be regarded as an inevitable part of the job,” says Silvana Luciani, head of PAHO’s Department of Noncommunicable Diseases and Violence Prevention. According to her, it concerns both a public health issue and human rights and the functioning of health systems.

Verbal violence most common

The violence can take various forms. In addition to threats and physical attacks by patients or family members, it also includes workplace harassment, discrimination, sexual violence and threats linked to insecurity and organised crime.

According to PAHO, nurses and other staff who are in continuous direct contact with patients and communities are particularly at increased risk.

In the Caribbean, verbal violence is most frequently reported by nurses, according to experts. Sexual harassment is also a problem. They point to the need for safe and confidential systems through which incidents can be reported.

Women are particularly vulnerable to certain forms of violence, including sexual harassment. Nearly 70 percent of staff in the healthcare sector are women.

Consequences for the entire healthcare system

Violence not only has physical and psychological consequences for victims, but can also lead to burnout, absenteeism and staff turnover. This can make it more difficult for healthcare institutions to retain enough qualified staff.

Factors such as high workloads, long waiting times, staff shortages, insufficient resources and poor communication with patients and family members can increase the likelihood of incidents. Delays in treatment and a lack of medical supplies are also cited as possible triggers for aggression.

In addition, crime, armed violence, crisis situations and conflicts can further increase the risk.

More reporting and better protection needed

According to PAHO, a significant share of incidents is never reported. Staff may, among other things, fear reprisals or have little confidence in existing reporting procedures.

The organisation therefore advocates confidential and accessible reporting systems, clear protocols for prevention and investigation, and better protection of staff.

Healthcare workers must also be trained in, among other things, crisis management and techniques to de-escalate conflicts. Victims must also be given access to medical and psychosocial support.

PAHO stresses that primary responsibility for a safe working environment lies with governments, employers and healthcare institutions.

The organisation has therefore issued a new fact sheet with recommendations concerning, among other things, legislation, security at healthcare institutions, incident registration, staff training and cooperation between the health, security, justice, education and labour sectors.

According to PAHO, only 26 of the 195 member states of the World Health Organization worldwide have specific national policies or programmes for the safety and health of healthcare personnel.

The organisation stresses that violence against healthcare workers is not inevitable. Better prevention and protection are necessary, according to PAHO, to protect both healthcare staff and the quality and availability of healthcare.