One in three doctors has been a victim of physical or verbal attack in the past year, but most do not report it, research by the BMA suggests.
Around 600 doctors responded to a BMA survey on their experiences of violence in the workplace in the past year. A third had experienced some form of violence – including threats and verbal abuse – and one in ten had been physically attacked, including being stabbed, kicked, punched, bitten and spat at. Of these, one in three received minor injuries, and one in 20 was seriously injured. Most doctors who suffered violence did not report it. This suggests both a degree of under-reporting, and increasing acceptance of violence, the report states.
The most frequently stated reason for workplace violence was dissatisfaction with the service, including frustration with waiting times and refusal to prescribe medication. This has doubled as a cause of violence since 2003, when the BMA last conducted the survey.
What they say
Dr Hamish Meldrum, Chairman of Council at the BMA, says: “These are worrying figures – both in terms of the potential numbers involved and the fact that so few doctors tend to report violence. We hope that this is not because they feel the problem is not being taken seriously. Ministers have repeatedly stated that there should be zero tolerance to violence of any sort in the NHS. We heartily agree. The mechanisms must be there to minimise the likelihood of attacks, to support staff who experience them, and to ensure that anyone who commits an act of violence is dealt with appropriately.“
Other findings from the research include:
Half of doctors say that violence in the workplace is a problem
More than half had witnessed violence against other staff, such as nurses and receptionists
Female doctors are more likely to experience violence in the workplace than males (37pc compared to 27pc)
Junior doctors are the most likely to experience violence, followed by GPs
Almost two thirds of psychiatrists report that violence in their workplace is a problem, compared with a fifth of surgeons
Most doctors have not received any training in dealing with violent patients
Only one in ten doctors has access to a secure facility in which to treat violent patients.
The association adds that the Criminal Justice and Immigration Bill, currently progressing through the Westminster Parliament, contains proposals to tackle nuisance behaviour on NHS hospital premises. The BMA is seeking an amendment to the Bill so that GP premises are also covered.
