"Online Seminar Yields Success: Discussions on Safety Measures to Combat Violence in Healthcare Settings"
On November 24, 2024, an event titled "Protection against violence in healthcare" was held as part of the online series "The Safe Hour" by the prevention network #safeonduty. The event aimed to provide a lively discussion and exchange of practical solutions via live stream for numerous interested parties.
The event was moderated by Anne Herr from the prevention network #safeonduty's staff unit, who facilitated a comprehensive discussion focusing on diverse aspects of violence and conflicts in healthcare, particularly in emergency rooms which are described as hotspots for conflicts and violence.
Simon Härtel, director of nursing at the Evangelical Hospital Mülheim, described the challenges from the perspective of nursing staff and nursing management, emphasising the need for concrete solutions regarding prevention, handling escalating situations, and effective aftercare for those affected. Dr. Leonie Malburg, a physician at the St. Hildegardis Hospital in Cologne, provided insights from the medical perspective, highlighting the importance of a zero-tolerance policy and the provision of psychological support for staff who have experienced violence.
Frank Böttcher from the police in Recklinghausen presented the police's view as an expert in criminal prevention and victim protection, underscoring the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and support from management and authorities in addressing the issue. Nils Krog, a member of the presidium of the North Rhine-Westphalia Hospital Association (KGNW) and CEO of the clinic operator Ategris, participated in the event and provided an overview of the situation at the state level.
The discussion revolved around practical solutions for addressing violence in healthcare, including risk assessment and environment safety, training and empowerment of staff, workplace culture and support, legal and organisational frameworks, and community and patient engagement. The need for regular risk assessments, visible security staff, access controls, and surveillance systems in sensitive areas was emphasised. Providing healthcare workers with training on communication, conflict resolution, and de-escalation techniques, and equipping staff with clear procedures for responding to violent incidents, including reporting mechanisms, was also highlighted as crucial.
Promoting a zero-tolerance policy, fostering a workplace culture that does not tolerate violence against healthcare workers, offering counseling and peer support programs for staff who have experienced violence, and ensuring that management is committed to violence prevention and that legal measures are in place to prosecute perpetrators were also discussed.
Interested parties can find information about past and upcoming events in the online series SICHERE STUNDE at https://www.sicherimdienst.nrw/netzwerk/die-sichere-stunde. The KGNW, in collaboration with representatives from NRW hospitals, the initiative "Sicher im Dienst", and the accident insurance company North Rhine-Westphalia, is working on a comprehensive strategy involving all parties - from employees, through management, to clinic leadership and security authorities.
While the exact recommendations from the "Protection against violence in healthcare" event in Düsseldorf are not detailed in the provided sources, internationally recognised practices—such as training, risk assessment, support systems, and interdisciplinary collaboration—are consistently recommended. These align with the broader strategies used by prevention networks to enhance safety for healthcare workers. If a detailed transcript or summary of the specific event becomes available, more tailored recommendations could be provided.
- The discussion at the "Protection against violence in healthcare" event also incorporated the role of mental health in workplace wellness, emphasizing the importance of therapies and treatments like CBD for managing stress and anxiety amongst healthcare workers who may have encountered violent incidents.
- Moving forward, it was suggested that healthcare institutions should consider incorporating health and wellness initiatives into their routine operations, with a focus on providing psychological support and promoting self-care for both nursing and medical staff.
- Further, the event underscored the need for a multidisciplinary approach to tackle violence in healthcare settings, including collaboration between medical professionals, law enforcement, hospital management, and wellness experts in order to ensure comprehensive support for employees.
