Violence against nurses by patients and visitors in the emergency department: An integrative review

Abstract

Aim

This integrative review explored violence against emergency nurses by patients/visitors, examining its nature, contributing factors and consequences.

Design

Integrative review.

Data Sources

Articles were obtained from PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, Web of Science and PsycInfo databases, up until December 2021.

Review Methods

26 articles were reviewed, evaluating study quality with the Crowe Critical Appraisal Tool and synthesizing conclusions through theme development and coding.

Results

This review delves into the issue of violence perpetrated against emergency nurses by patients and visitors. It elucidates three overarching themes: the nature of violence, the contributing factors and the consequences of such acts.

Conclusion

The findings inform healthcare policy for the development of prevention approaches while identifying research gaps and emphasizing the need for alternative study designs and methodologies.

Impact

This review has implications for nursing practice, policymaking and research, emphasizing the need for stakeholder engagement and tailored interventions for at-risk emergency nurses.

No Patient or Public Contribution

This project was an integrative review of the literature therefore no patient or public contribution was necessary.

What Already is Known

Violence by patients and visitors in healthcare settings, especially in emergency departments, has garnered considerable attention.

What this Paper Adds

This review specifically examines violence-targeting emergency department nurses from patients and visitors, assessing its characteristics, contributing factors and consequences.

Implications for Practice/Policy

The findings will guide stakeholder engagement in developing interventions to support vulnerable emergency nurses.