WORKPLACE VIOLENCE: ASSAULT BY PATIENTS

Course overview

Violence in the workplace is a widespread problem in the United States. Healthcare workers (e.g., clinical professionals, social workers) are especially at risk of being physically assaulted by patients or patients’ family members. Physical assault on healthcare workers may include punching, kicking, spitting, slapping, hitting, biting, or throwing objects. This continuing education module is designed to give the reader/learner an increased understanding of patient assault, including its risk factors, clinical presentation of a patient who is at risk of assaulting a healthcare professional, and treatment for the assault victim and assaultive patient. Readers may explore any or all of the topics. One contact hour of continuing education credit is available for those who successfully complete the post-test and evaluation form.