More violence and aggression in Christchurch ED than previously thought

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2022-05-06 00:01

New Zealand

Photo by SJ Objio on Unsplash

Audits were carried out on the violence and aggression experienced by Christchurch Hospital Emergency Department staff, every May from 2014-2020 (excluding 2017). Higher levels were reported during the audit compared to standard reporting, suggesting that current systems don't accurately reflect the amount of violence and aggression. The authors suggest that more research is needed into improving reporting, as well as investigating potential responses to violence and aggression and the impact it has on both staff and bystanders.

Media release

From: New Zealand Medical Association (NZMA)

A seven-year study of violence towards staff in the Christchurch Hospital Emergency Department was undertaken from 2014–2020 (excluding 2017). This involved an annual audit during each May of incidents of violence and aggression, including verbal and physical intimidation or assault and sexual innuendo/threat. Additional demographic data was collected from 2015 relating to the perceived aggressor. Most events reported involved verbal abuse from patients and occurred on weekend and night shifts.

Journal/
conference: New Zealand Medical Journal

Organisation/s: University of Canterbury, Canterbury District Health Board

Funder: na

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