Exploring perceptions and impact of violence as experienced by the emergency department staff of the Princess Margaret Hospital in The Bahamas

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To explore the perceptions and impact of violence experienced by Emergengy Department (ED) staff of the Princess Margaret Hospital in The Commonwealth of The Bahamas in order to inform administrative managers’ awareness and ED staff behavioural changes. DESIGN AND METHODS: A qualitative research design and interpretative epistemological view point was adopted. Purposive sampling method was utilized and 12 participants were recruited for the study. Data collected from semi-structured interviews were transcribed and thematically analysed to identify common themes. RESULTS: Five major themes were common to all interviews. Firstly, the overwhelming perception of violence was seen as an innate and inevitable ED occurrence. Secondly, facilitating elements were viewed multifactorially with verbal abuse perceived as the most common form experienced. Thirdly, personal and professional impact of ED violence was seen as having the potential to negatively affect patient care. Fourthly, support and coping measures viewed as post-incident essentials were considered lacking. Finally, suggested measures to decrease ED violence related to areas of patient, staff and ED improvements. However doubt was voiced as to the efficacy of such measures being adequately implemented. CONCLUSION: The study provided a useful insight into the perceptions and impacts of violence experienced by staff in the ED. The negative impact on staff personally was seen as having consequential negative effect on professional performance in the ED, with patient quality care ultimately being compromised. In sharing the results of this and the highlighted public health concern, awareness and behavioural changes were encouraged, along with the need for further research into this emotive issue.