Barriers to Effective Implementation of Programs for Workplace Violence Prevention in Hospitals

BACKGROUND:   The objective of this study was to determine the major barriers to implementation of effective workplace violence prevention programs in hospitals. Effective workplace violence prevention programs are challenging to implement in healthcare and the identification of factors that hinder success is a crucial gap in knowledge.  

METHODS: Twenty-seven nurses and allied health professionals participated in structured focus group discussions that explored their perceptions of barriers to effective violence prevention programs, the effectiveness of legislative actions to reduce violence in healthcare, and their perception of what constitutes violence.  

RESULTS:   There were seven primary issues that the participants identified as the major barriers to effective implementation of workplace violence prevention programs.  This list included a lack of action despite reporting, varying perceptions of violence, bullying, profit-driven management models, lack of accountability, the focus on customer service, and weak social service and law enforcement approaches to mentally ill patients.

CONCLUSIONS:   Many of the challenges facing effective implementation are both within the program itself and related to broader industry and societal issues.