Determinants of Workplace Violence between doctors and Nurses inside the health sector: a systematic review in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 2024

Abstract

Background: Events where doctors and Nurses (HCWs) are attacked, threatened, or abused during work-related situations and that present a direct or indirect threat to their security and well-being are referred to as workplace violence (WPV) . Violence in the health sector has increased over the last decade and is a primary global concern in particular doctors and nurses. Recent statistical data demonstrated that HCWs were five times more likely to experience violence than workers in other sectors and are involved in 73% of all nonfatal violent work incidents. The experience of WPV is linked to reduced quality of life and negative psychological implications, such as low self-esteem, increased anxiety and stress. WPV is often linked to poor work performance caused by lower job satisfaction, higher absenteeism, and reduced worker retention , which may disrupt patient care quality and other healthcare service productivity . The aim of this literature review: To estimate the prevalence of Workplace Violence between doctors and Nurses inside the health sector in Saudi Arabia 2024. Methods: This systematic review was conducted based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRIS) 2024 review protocol. Results: While doctors and Nurses remain particularly vulnerable to violence due to their constant patient interaction, this study reveals that verbal violence is the most prevalent type, significantly impacting the well-being of healthcare workers as a whole. The identified causes of WPV include long waiting times, understaffing, miscommunication, inadequate security measures, high patient expectations, and overcrowding. Respondents emphasized the importance of education, security enhancements, and administrative support to address or prevent verbal violence. Conclusion:Workplace violence was prevalent, and verbal abuse was the commonest type among health-care workers in health sector departments of Saudi hospitals. Encouragement to report violent incidents and raising awareness among health-care workers about violence reporting systems are important strategies to improve workplace safety.