- Grand Rapids, Michigan-based Spectrum Health has had more than 1,000 assaults on nurses, doctors, and other hospital workers since the start of the pandemic.
- San Diego, California-based Scripps Health experienced a 17% rise in workplace violence incidents in 2021.
- U.S. hospital security professionals are being urged to participate in IAHSS’ annual healthcare crime survey to determine the actual rate of workplace violence at hospitals in 2021.
In 2020, the assault rate at U.S. hospitals increased more than 23%, from 10.9 incidents per 100 beds to 14.2, according to a crime survey conducted by the International Association for Healthcare Security and Safety (IAHSS). Reports from some media sources indicate the trend of increasing workplace violence at U.S. healthcare facilities appears to be continuing.
Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids, Michigan reports that it’s had more than 1,000 assaults on nurses, doctors, and other hospital workers since the start of the pandemic, reports WWJ950. In 2021, the health system had more than 650 assaults against its employees, which was 100 more than in 2020.
San Diego, California-based Scripps Health experienced a 17% rise in workplace violence incidents last year, as well as an increase in staff injuries from assaults, reports Becker’s Healthcare.
Assaults could be verbal, physical, or sexual.
The true rate of workplace violence at U.S. hospitals last year, however, has yet to be determined. The IAHSS is urging U.S. hospital security professionals to participate in its annual healthcare crime survey to determine the actual rate of assaults in 2021.
The survey is confidential, and the identities of participants will not be released. Organizations that participate will not have their information released outside of the IAHSS Foundation.
