Workplace violence in primary health care workers: an integrative review

TL;DR

This review explores the prevalence and impact of workplace violence among primary health care workers, highlighting the need for better prevention strategies.

Contribution

The study provides a comprehensive summary of recent evidence on workplace violence in primary health care settings.

Findings

Verbal violence is the most common form of workplace violence in primary health care.

Female workers, nurses, and those with direct patient contact are most affected.

Preventive measures are limited and focus on surveillance and communication training.

Abstract

Workplace violence is an important and growing public health problem in primary
health care, compromising both the quality of care and workers’ health. However,
the available evidence at this level of care remains limited. The objective of
this article is to identify and summarize the existing evidence on workplace
violence among primary health care workers, considering its prevalence,
associated factors, consequences, and preventive measures. An integrative review
was conducted using the Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, SciELO, and Virtual
Health Library databases. Quantitative and qualitative studies published in the
last 5 years in Spanish, English, or Portuguese were included. Fourteen articles
were analyzed. The results showed that verbal workplace violence was the most
prevalent form. The most relevant associated factors were being female, working
as a nurse or nursing technician, having direct contact with patients, and
working shifts. Psychological consequences included feelings of guilt, anxiety,
and doubts about professional competence; organizational consequences included
increased staff turnover and absenteeism. Preventive measures implemented were
scarce and mainly focused on surveillance and communication skills training. The
review concludes that verbal workplace violence is highly prevalent and driven
by individual, structural, and organizational factors. Its consequences affect
both psychological well-being and organizational dynamics, and a substantial gap
persists regarding preventive measures.

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