Patient Abuse in Healthcare: A Theoretical Synthesis

Abstract

Patient abuse in healthcare is an emerging phenomenon in need of explanation and further analysis. Preventing abusive incidents in healthcare requires identifying structural imbalances that make mistreatment of vulnerable individuals possible. A theory synthesis of the vicious violence triangle and the socioecological model provides a framework to investigate factors that influence nurses’ abusive behavior toward patients in hospitals. Concepts include direct violence, structural violence, cultural violence, and intrapersonal, interpersonal, and organizational factors. The patient abuse in healthcare theory supports empowerment and transformation of nursing and nursing science and offers a blueprint for research that promotes health equity.

Nurse Disrespect and Abuse Toward Laboring and Child-Birthing Women

“…The patient abuse in healthcare theory guided this study. The theory was developed to understand the factors that influence nurses’ abuse of women during childbirth (Alzyoud et al, 2023). The patient abuse in healthcare theory was developed through a theoretical synthesis of two theories: the vicious violence triangle (Galtung, 1990) and the socioecological model (McLeroy et al, 1988).…”

“…The patient abuse in healthcare theory identifies factors related to intrapersonal and interpersonal characteristics of the nurse/midwife and organizational elements that contribute to disrespect and abuse of child-birthing women in healthcare. The theory hypothesizes how these factors contribute to patient abuse (Alzyoud et al, 2023). The purpose of the study was to test patient abuse in healthcare theory and identify correlates and predictors that influence nurse's disrespect and abuse of child-birthing women in healthcare settings.…”