Patient and visitor violence towards staff on medical and psychiatric wards in India

Abstract

Background: Patient and visitor violence (PVV) towards staff is common across health settings. It has negative effects on staff and treatment provision. Little data is available from the developing world.

Aims: To examine the prevalence of PVV in India and make comparisons with the existing data.

Methods: We administered an abbreviated version of the Survey of Violence Experienced by Staff (SOVES-A) in English in Mysore on medical and psychiatric wards.

Results: 249 staff participated. 16% of staff in psychiatric wards were subjected to some form of PVV in the past 4 weeks which is lower than in the developed world. 57% of staff on medical wards experienced PVV which is similar to the developed world. Patients and Visitors were almost equal sources of this violence. Verbal abuse was more common than threats and physical assaults. Training in aggression management may be a protective factor.

Conclusion: PVV is a significant problem in India, especially on medical wards. Aggression management training may be a way to reduce the prevalence of PVV.

Keywords: Patient and visitor violence; Percentage prevalence & general hospital; Violence and aggression.