Factors Influencing Workplace Violence against Health Care Personnel in a Tertiary Health Care Institute of West Bengal,India, India

Abstract

Background: Violence in health sector although being a global issue as well as an alarming burden in India, has received limited attention till now. The present study aimed at estimation of perceived causes of workplace violence (WPV) in health sector and exploration of the possible measures to prevent it. Methods: A qualitative study was undertaken in Burdwan Medical College and Hospital a tertiary health care facility of West Bengal,India, during September – December 2018 among different types of health care personnel. Six from each stratum of doctors, nurses and support staffs i.e. 18 health personnel were included as the study subjects in Focussed Group Discussions (FGD) to explore the perceived causes of workplace violence. In-depth interview were (IDI) done with 25 individual. 3 Key Informant Interviews (KII) were done among senior faculties associated with hospital administration. 3 Focussed Group Discussions (FGD) were undertaken with the 18 health care personnel comprising 6 participants in each session with the help of a predetermined FGD guide composed of some guiding questions.Results: Doctor patient miscommunication, lack of manpower, political influence was few of the salient reasons of violence in health sector.Conclusion: The study highlights several issues like behavioural aspects, communication gaps between service provider and beneficiaries, resource crisis and political as well as social factors to be causative for violence in health sector.