by Judith Arnetz, PhD
This study examined hospital employee perceptions of organizational safety following a workplace violence intervention in a large metropolitan multi-hospital system. In 2014, 343 employees across 41 hospital units (N = 21 control units, N = 20 intervention units) completed a questionnaire capturing organizational safety perceptions and violence exposure. Intervention unit employees reported more positive perceptions of organizational safety compared to control unit employees. However, intervention group employees who experienced patient-to-worker violence (Type II) had significantly more positive safety perceptions than those who experienced worker-to-worker violence (Type III). Hospitals and units that implement violence prevention interventions should strive to address all types of violent behavior.
