Violence against nurses by patients and visitors in the emergency department: An integrative review

Abstract

Aim: This integrative review explored violence against emergency nurses by patients/visitors, examining its nature, contributing factors and consequences.

Design: Integrative review.

Data sources: Articles were obtained from PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, Web of Science and PsycInfo databases, up until December 2021.

Review methods: 26 articles were reviewed, evaluating study quality with the Crowe Critical Appraisal Tool and synthesizing conclusions through theme development and coding.

Results: This review delves into the issue of violence perpetrated against emergency nurses by patients and visitors. It elucidates three overarching themes: the nature of violence, the contributing factors and the consequences of such acts.

Conclusion: The findings inform healthcare policy for the development of prevention approaches while identifying research gaps and emphasizing the need for alternative study designs and methodologies.

Impact: This review has implications for nursing practice, policymaking and research, emphasizing the need for stakeholder engagement and tailored interventions for at-risk emergency nurses.

No patient or public contribution: This project was an integrative review of the literature therefore no patient or public contribution was necessary.

What already is known: Violence by patients and visitors in healthcare settings, especially in emergency departments, has garnered considerable attention.

What this paper adds: This review specifically examines violence-targeting emergency department nurses from patients and visitors, assessing its characteristics, contributing factors and consequences.

Implications for practice/policy: The findings will guide stakeholder engagement in developing interventions to support vulnerable emergency nurses.