Part Three: Mitigating Workplace Violence for Healthcare Workers: Five-Part Series (ODW5020)-Mitigating Workplace Violence for Healthcare Workers, Part Three Recording

Video Transcription

Video Summary

In Part 3 of the series on healthcare security, Principal Consultant Mike Dunning focused on recognizing early signs of aggression in healthcare environments and strategies for de-escalation. Building on previous sessions about workplace violence prevention programs and risk assessments, he emphasized the importance of empowering healthcare staff to focus on their roles without fearing for their safety.<br /><br />Dunning explained that aggression often arises in high-emotion areas such as emergency departments, behavioral health, and critical care units, and has recently extended to med surge units and break rooms. He identified fear, anxiety, and grief as significant triggers for aggression, highlighting their impact on morale, turnover, patient outcomes, liability, and facility reputation.<br /><br />Key to preventing escalation is recognizing aggression early. Behavioral warning signs include personal space invasion, physical agitation, sudden silence, or hostile language. Dunning also discussed common environmental triggers in hospitals, like crowded waiting areas, long wait times, and visual or auditory stimuli.<br /><br />He outlined de-escalation techniques involving calm communication, active listening, and giving patients a sense of control through choices. Avoidance of arguing, sudden movements, and invasion of personal space is crucial. Distraction techniques can help interrupt escalating behavior, and the presence and approach of staff, including their attire and demeanor, can significantly influence outcomes.<br /><br />For leaders, modeling and enforcing de-escalation strategies, ensuring comprehensive training, and considering environmental design are essential in mitigating workplace violence. The session concluded with an emphasis on the collective responsibility in a hospital setting to prioritize safety and respectful interactions.

Keywords

healthcare security

aggression recognition

de-escalation strategies

workplace violence prevention

risk assessments

behavioral warning signs

environmental triggers

calm communication

hospital safety

staff training