Verbal Abuse, Physical Assault, and Harassment in Pediatric Medical Settings: A Nationwide Survey in Japan

Abstract

Background: Verbal abuse, physical assault, and harassment of pediatric healthcare workers by patients and their families have become increasingly serious. These incidents lead to various problems, including the deterioration of staff members’ mental health and employee turnover. Methods: This study was conducted as the first Japanese nationwide survey to assess the abuse perpetrated by patients and families and experienced by medical staff in pediatric medical settings in 2018, countermeasures employed, and staff member evaluations of the countermeasures. Results: Responses from 526 facilities were received, clinics accounted for 79.8% of these facilities; 88.1% of the respondents were females. Further, 10.5% of the facility staff reported having experienced verbal abuse, violence, or harassment from patients or family members. Of 1103 cases of victimizations, there were 719, 136, and 248 cases of verbal abuse, violence, and harassment, respectively. Manuals and guidelines had been created and training and drill performances were conducted as countermeasures in 10.7% and 9.0% of facilities, respectively; 7.3% of staff members felt that the countermeasures were effective, corresponding to 45.6% of the affected staff. Conclusion: The findings suggest the necessity of thoroughly familiarizing staff with existing facility countermeasures as well as introducing new countermeasures such as victimization simulations.