Worksite Walkthrough Intervention

Abstract

Objective To describe the implementation of a data-driven, unit-based walkthrough intervention shown to be effective in reducing the risk of workplace violence in hospitals. Methods A structured worksite walkthrough was conducted on 21 hospital units. Unit-level workplace violence data were reviewed and a checklist of possible prevention strategies and an Action Plan form guided development of unit-specific intervention. Unit supervisor perceptions of the walkthrough and implemented prevention strategies were reported via questionnaires. Prevention strategies were categorized as either environmental, behavioral or administrative. Results A majority of units implemented strategies within 12 months’ post-intervention. Participants found the walkthrough useful, practical, and worthy of continued use. Conclusions Structured worksite walkthroughs provide a feasible method for workplace violence reduction in hospitals. Core elements are standardized yet flexible, promoting fidelity and transferability of this intervention.

A Systematic Review: Effectiveness of Interventions to De-escalate Workplace Violence against Nurses in Healthcare Settings

“…Of these, four were RCTs, ten used a quasi-experimental design and twelve applied pre and post-study design. Only four studies [ [17] , [18] , [19] , 42 ] used both quantitative and qualitative components.…”

“…Most studies included in this review were conducted in developed countries. Fourteen of the included studies were conducted in the United States [ 15 , 16 , 18 , [20] , [21] , [22] , [23] , [24] , [25] , [26] , [27] , [28] , [29] , 42 ]. Three were conducted in Australia [ 17 , 30 , 31 ], two were carried out in Canada [ 32 , 38 ], two in South Korea [ 34 , 43 ], one in Taiwan [ 42 ], and one in Sweden [ 35 ].…”

“…Several of these studies feature the involvement of relevant stakeholders when shaping the format of the multicomponent interventions. The types of WPV considered in these studies are patient-to-worker violence [ 18 , 20 ], physical assaults and threats [ 27 ], and overall workplace violence [ 32 , 35 ]. The common perpetrators are patients, their relatives/visitors, and coworkers.…”

“…The common perpetrators are patients, their relatives/visitors, and coworkers. In one study [ 18 ], a “worksite walkthrough strategy” was utilized with the aim of involving staff and administration in assessing what the most effective interventions might be, in order to decrease the overall rate of workplace violence against nurses. This stakeholder involvement resulted in an action plan where multiple strategies were implemented across three categories: Environmental (panic buttons, security locks) Administrative (policies for workplace violence prevention, safety procedures) Behavioral (staff training for workplace violence management).…”

OSHA Workplace Violence Enforcement

“…With the widespread recognition of violence as a signature hazard in the healthcare industry and the existence of national guidance for over 20 years, 13,14 studies continue to expand understanding of WPV prevention. The first randomized controlled trial and follow-up 15,16 supports the presence of effective intervention based on unit-level data and strategies that relied on OSHA's Guidelines for Preventing Workplace Violence for Healthcare and Social Service Workers. On the other hand, a review of commercial WPV prevention training programs suggest that reliance on such programs alone leaves facilities vulnerable as they have significant gaps in content and lack facility-specific assessment and interventions 17 …”