Violence in emergency areas of Dr. Domingo Luciani Hospital

Abstract

Objective: To know the frequency, characteristics and classification group in aggression towards the staff of the emergency area and the frequency and causes of their under-reporting for the year 2015 at the Hospital Dr. Domingo Luciani (type IV) in Caracas, Venezuela. Methods: An observational study, descriptive, applying a survey previously piloted and validated by a group of experts to both professional and working class area of emergency personnel. Results: Of the total number of surveys obtained (150), were found 115 (73%) workers assaulted, all verbal assault and 18 (12%) accompanied by physical assault. Of these 85 cases (56%) would have been unreported, the main reasons were: believe that registra- tion is useless (23%) and be considered normal for this type of events (20%). Assaulted professional profile: female, nurse, 19-30 years, nurse with night shifts. Profile of the aggressor: patient family, male, aged 21-29. Conclusion: Violence against emergency personnel found in a high percentage, but at the same time most of these attacks were not recorded so it is not possible to carry out preventive measures. That is why we see necessary campaigns of information as detailed record of the facts to establish protocols for action in situations with higher frequency of aggression, such as communication to family members of deceased, thus preventing future acts of violence.