Violence and Health Care Professionals

In recent years, violence to staff has been highlighted by the media, professional bodies, trade unions and government departments. One group of workers, those in health care, have a unique problem: their professional commitment to continue to care for assailants following personal assault. Health professionals are becoming less tolerant of attack and are seeking strategies to avoid injury and to manage the problem proactively. This research-based book identifies and addresses the facts of the risks to different groups of workers. It surveys the responses both of the victims of attack and of the organisations they represent and work in. This not only reassures victims that certain responses are normal, but also suggests detailed, evaluated therapeutic interventions that enable recovery. The information provided is for people working directly with patients, but it should also be of use to employers setting up policies and procedures. The authors' findings should enable the prevention of violence and provide a guide to the support of victims who may suffer long-term psychological trauma following assault. This book should be of interest to health professionals including psychiatrists, social workers, community health teams, psychologists, nurses and GPs.