Experiences of workplace violence among health care workers : A qualitative study of violence from the perspective of care professionals

Sammanfattning: Violence and threats of violence is described as a common and relevant issue in various care units. Mental health care workers often feel frustrated and unsatisfied in their work with mentally ill patients. Experienced mental health care workers find that learning how to treat and cope with violent patients is beneficial. The aim of this study was to gain knowledge and understanding of mental health care workers experiences and perspectives on workplace violence. The method used was qualitative semi-structured interviews with mental health care workers ofdifferent care facilities. The results found that the patients’ illness appear to be the source of the violence. The environment can also be a source of violence. Violence was common in caring situations, particularly when mental health careworkers were physically close to their patients. The mental health care workers experienced feelings of anger, humiliation, remorse, and helplessness. The participants expressed that they questioned their own abilities and at times believed that their ability to communicate with patients and relax them was inadequate. Colleagues, relatives, and friends were perceived to be the most supportive, and the most common way of coping with violence in the workplace. Furthermore, the conclusion of the study is that the environment must be adjusted to meet the needs of the mental health care workers in meetings with threatful and violent patients. Mental health care workers need education and guidance on how to proceed as well as encouragement to report violent incidents.