A snapshot survey to investigate the prevalence and impact of violence in emergency departments (EDs) was sent to the Directors of Emergency Medicine at all 131 ACEM-accredited EDs. Drawing upon survey data, doctors’ testimonies and international research, ACEM’s Breaking Point: An Urgent Call to Action on Emergency Department Safety report investigates the rising prevalence of violence in Australian EDs and provides Federal, State/Territory and local hospital recommendations for addressing this significant problem.
The findings of this report confirm that violence in Australian EDs is an escalating crisis that demands immediate and systemic intervention. ED staff face dangers including punching, kicking, biting, spitting, verbal abuse and threats - causing profound harm and physical and psychological trauma to people who have dedicated their lives and careers to helping others when they need it most.
Among the alarming key findings:
- Nine out of 10 survey respondents reported having experienced violent incidents in their ED in the past week, and more than three-quarters reported that this included physical violence incidents.
- More than half of respondents reported that physical violence occurred daily or frequently in their ED.
- Nine out of 10 respondents reported that verbal violence occurred daily or frequently (one or more times per week).
- Only half of respondents routinely report violent incidents in the ED.
- More than one-third of respondents do not have access to ED-based security staff.
- Most respondents identified access block and ED overcrowding as the primary causative factors that contribute to violent incidents in EDs.
ACEM President Dr Stephen Gourley said, “Physical violence against doctors is happening all over Australia, and it is happening every day.
“This is not what we signed up for. We dedicate our lives to saving others. We should not have to fear for our personal safety while doing so. Emergency doctors across Australia want hospitals to be safe spaces for healing.
“Violence in EDs has far-reaching consequences. It takes a toll on staff morale, contributes to burnout, and is a significant factor in experienced healthcare professionals choosing to leave the workforce.
“Violence disrupts patient care, leading to potentially even longer delays and poorer outcomes, and negatively impacting everyone present – staff and other patients.
“It is time for a national conversation about violence in EDs, with urgent and coordinated action from all levels of government.
“We must act now before the damage being caused by this daily crisis in our emergency departments ends up beyond repair.”
ACEM’s Breaking Point: An Urgent Call to Action on Emergency Department Safety can be read here.
Background:
ACEM is the peak body for emergency medicine in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, responsible for training emergency physicians and advancement of professional standards. www.acem.org.au
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