Terminology, stereotypes and aggressive dynamics in the accident and emergency department.
There is a perception that violence against staff practising in accident and emergency (A&E) departments is increasing [Fernandes, C.M.B., Bouthillette, F., Raboud, J.M., Bullock, L., Moore, C.F., Christenson, J.M., Grafstein, E., Rae, S., Ouellet, L., Gillrie, C., Way, M., 1999. Violence in the emergency department: a survey of health care workers, Canadian Medical Association Journal 11, 1-6; Jenkins, M.G., Rocke, L.G., McNicholl, B.P., Hughes, D.M., 1998. Violence and verbal abuse against staff in the A and E departments: a survey of consultants in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland, Journal of Accident and Emergency Medicine 15, 262-265; . A survey of violence towards nursing staff in one large Irish Accident and Emergency department, Journal of Emergency Nursing 23(3), 214-219]. This paper discusses traditional stereotypes of the violent A&E client by critiquing the current literature. The paper then goes on to question whether some health care professionals themselves are contributing to a climate of fear and the development of conflict.
Ferns
Terry
T
University of Greenwich, School of Health and Social Care, Department of Acute and Continuing Care, Grey Building, Southwood Site, Avery Hill Road, London SE9 2UG, UK. T.Ferns@greenwich.ac.uk
D000374:Aggression / Q000523:psychology; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D016529:Emergency Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D028642:Persons with Psychiatric Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000523:psychology*; D016272:Occupational Health; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D012637:Security Measures / Q000458:organization & administration; D013240:Stereotyping; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D013997:Time Factors; D014754:Violence / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014850:Waiting Lists