On Violence in Medicine

On Violence in Medicine:

I have been thinking about what happened yesterday at UPMC Memorial, thinking about it all night actually. Unfortunately, incidents of violence in medicine are not uncommon. They are often directed at nurses, medical assistants and other staff, and occur more commonly in high stress situations like emergency rooms or in patients with mental illness and psych wards.

"Healthcare workers are five times more likely to experience workplace violence than employees in other industries, and they account for 73% of all nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses due to violence, according to federal government reports. These statistics are from 2018, before healthcare workers began to see incidents of violence ramp up during the COVID-19 outbreak." (source: Jim McCarty 10/9/2024 "Violence escalates against surgeons and other HealthCare workers)

I have been fortunate not to have faced this directly, but have witnessed events directed towards staff and have had it happen to family members who work in medicine.

Almost everyone in healthcare receives deescalation training, but when someone reaches their breaking point, that does not always work.

So what are the solutions?

For me, I do a lot of praying: for my patient's, my staff and my colleagues and friends. I believe that works for me.

I believe we need to look at access to mental health care and health care in general. We do not have enough mental health providers. My friends and colleagues who work in that industry are overworked and underpaid. Insurance companies often have carve outs and limited options for whom patients can see. I believe that needs to change.

My heart breaks for those that were effected yesterday and for the policeman that was murdered. Maybe today, say something kind or do something nice to everyone you meet. You never know how that might change someone's life or perspective, and maybe make the world just a little better.