Background Workplace violence is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as incidents where staff is abused, threatened or assaulted in work settings. In emergency predominated branch like obstetrics, there is a need to study the magnitude and impact of violence against healthcare workers (HCW).
Materials and Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics at 2 centres in Lucknow district, for a period of 6 months. The study population included trainee residents, senior residents, nursing staff and consultants. Standard definitions from the WHO were used to define the types of violence. The validated questionnaire was designed in English with 25 questions to understand the incidence of workplace violence, prevention policy, reporting and follow-ups of incidents and impact of violence.
Results With a response rate of 90%, 274 HCW participated in the study. In total, 172 HCW (62.7%) either faced physical or verbal assault. In 70% of incidents, patient, their relatives or public were perpetrators of violence, and the rest 30% incidents were by colleagues or management. Majority of the incidents were in emergency areas. Only 22% of the abused reported to the concerned authorities. At least 123 (71.5%) HCW were extremely dissatisfied with the action taken. Action was taken against only 9.8% of the perpetrators. None of the respondents received any training to handle workplace violence.
Conclusion There is an alarming high prevalence of workplace violence by patients and colleagues. Adequate training to handle these incidents, improvement of working environment and unconditional support from management will bring a positive work experience.
