A Cross‐Sectional Study of Workplace Violence and Patient Safety Competency Among Chinese Nurses

ABSTRACT

Background

Workplace violence is a pervasive issue in healthcare systems, with nurses being among the most vulnerable healthcare professionals. Despite the recognition of high prevalence, the consequences and mechanisms of workplace violence on professional competency, particularly patient safety competency, warrant further investigation.

Objective

This study aimed to examine the relationships among workplace violence, organisational silence behavior, psychological resilience, and patient safety competency among Chinese nurses.

Method

A descriptive cross-sectional correlational design was employed among a convenience sample of clinical registered nurses from public hospitals in Hunan Province, China. An online anonymous questionnaire was utilised to collect research data. SPSS statistical software was used to perform descriptive statistical analyses, Pearson correlation analyses, and mediation effects analyses.

Result

A total of 1440 clinical registered nurses participated in this study, with physical assault being the most prevalent form. Pearson correlation analysis revealed a positive relationship between workplace violence and organisational silence behavior (r = 0.93, p < 0.001), and a negative relationship with psychological resilience (r = −0.84, p < 0.001) and patient safety competency (r = −0.89, p < 0.001). Mediation analysis indicated that organisational silence behavior mediated the negative relationship between workplace violence and patient safety competency, while psychological resilience moderated this association among nurses (All p < 0.05).

Conclusion

This study provides empirical evidence that workplace violence significantly impairs patient safety competency among nurses. The findings underscore the critical role of organisational silence behavior in mediating this relationship, while psychological resilience serves as a protective factor. Targeted interventions aimed at reducing workplace violence, fostering open communication, and enhancing psychological resilience are essential to safeguarding patient safety and improving healthcare quality.

Patient or Public Contribution

This study offers valuable insights for the development and implementation of targeted support programs and intervention strategies to mitigate workplace violence and enhance patient safety in healthcare settings. Government agencies and healthcare institutions must prioritize preventing all forms of workplace violence against nurses, enhancing psychological resilience, and ensuring patient safety competency to improve healthcare quality and patient outcomes.