The Experiences and Views of Medical Interns on Violence and Aggression Against Doctors
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17986/blm.20121713Keywords:
medical doctor, violence, aggression, prevention, healthcare systemAbstract
Aim: The main aim of this research was to evaluate the incidents of aggressive / violent behaviour that is directed to or witnessed by medical students of Ondokuz Mayis University Medical School who are undertaking their internship at the different departments of Ondokuz Mayis University Hospital. Furthermore, the view of these interns with regard to appropriate prevention and intervention strategies for violence /aggression towards physicians were assessed.
Materials & Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted at Ondokuz Mayis University (OMU) Medical School using a standardised questionnaire as the research tool. From 1st September to 30th September 2013 (inclusive), a survey was voluntarily undertaken by OMU Medical School interns under supervision. Of the 161 interns, 139 (86.3%) responded to the survey. All necessary approvals were obtained from the Deanery of OMU Medical School. Data obtained from this research was recorded and analysed by SPSS 20.0 statistical package. The descriptive statistics of count and percentage was used to present the data.
Results: Of the 161 interns, 139 (86.3%) responded to the survey: 75 females (54%) and 64 males (46%). The mean age was 23.79 ± 1.23 years. 43.2% of the respondents stated that they were the victim of violence/aggression from the patients or patients' relatives at their workplace due to their job. Moreover, 78.4% of the respondents were the witness of incidents of aggressive / violent behaviour towards medical doctors because of their occupation. The majority of respondents (97.8%) state that violence/aggression towards medical doctors is preventable and the participants consider that the main reason for these type of behaviour (82.7%) is that doctors are held accountable for the failures and adverse events in the healthcare system. 95.7% of study participants believe that the most important strategy to prevent violence is to review existing legal sanctions and to make appropriate amendments.
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