Table 3.
Characteristics of violence
| Characteristics of violence | Classification | Verbally abused (n=78) | Physically assaulted (n=11) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
| |||
| n (%) | n (%) | ||
| Frequency | 1–3 times | 24 (30.8) | 5 (45.5) |
| 4–9 times | 10 (12.8) | 0 | |
| 10–15 times | 6 (7.7) | 0 | |
| >15 times | 22 (28.2) | 0 | |
| Cannot remember | 16 (20.5) | 6 (54.5) | |
| Time of violence during the day | Day shift | 2 (2.6) | 2 (18.2) |
| Evening shift | 29 (37.2) | 2 (18.2) | |
| Night shift | 41 (52.6) | 2 (18.2) | |
| Missing | 6 (7.7) | 5 (45.5) | |
| Day of the week | Weekend | 6 (7.7) | 0 |
| Weekday | 72 (92.3) | 11 (100) | |
| Place of violence | Triage area | 37 (47.4) | 6 (54.5) |
| Waiting room | 3 (3.8) | 0 | |
| Examination room | 28 (35.9) | 4 (36.4) | |
| Lobby | 2 (2.6) | 0 | |
| Hallway | 6 (7.7) | 1 (9.1) | |
| Outside the ED | 2 (2.6) | 0 | |
| Classification of perpetrator | Mental health condition | 2 (2.6) | 1 (9.1) |
| Alcohol abuse | 6 (7.7) | 1 (9.1) | |
| Demanding patient | 68 (87.2) | 9 (81.8) | |
| Traumatized family member and friends | 19 (24.4) | 0 | |
| Burnout and exhaustion | 14 (17.9) | 1 (9.1) | |
| Type of perpetrator | Patient | 38 (48.7) | 5 (45.5) |
| Patient’s family and/or friends | 61 (78.2) | 7 (63.6) | |
| Coworker | 2 (2.6) | 1 (9.1) | |
| Supervisor | 4 (5.1) | 0 | |
| General public | 5 (6.4) | 0 | |
Abbreviation: ED, emergency department.