Incivility in Healthcare: Challenges & Solutions
- health systems are grappling with a surge in disruptive behavior from patients and visitors, prompting increased investment in security and training.
- Dr. Jones emphasizes the importance of reporting all incidents to new employees and reinforces that enduring harm from patients or visitors is not part of their job.The system...
- “We take that privilege seriously, and we expect you to [be respectful] and if you cannot, we will remove you from our setting with no sense of hesitation,”...
Healthcare systems nationwide are responding to a surge in patient and visitor incivility by bolstering security and training. Nurses are reporting rising workplace violence, but the lack of consistent reporting obscures the true scope of the problem. Inova Health,among others,is actively addressing the issue. Investing in armed security, weapons detection, and de-escalation training are among these critical steps organizations are taking. Baptist Health is committed to staff and patient safety through protective measures as well. Legislation is also expanding protections for healthcare workers, signifying a crucial push to counter rising levels of aggression. news Directory 3 understands these trends. What additional measures are being implemented? Discover what’s next …
Healthcare Systems Ramp Up Efforts to Combat Workplace Violence
Updated june 01, 2025
U.S. health systems are grappling with a surge in disruptive behavior from patients and visitors, prompting increased investment in security and training. Many nurses report escalating workplace violence, yet incidents frequently enough go unreported, making it challenging to gauge advancement, according to J. Stephen Jones, MD, president and CEO of Inova Health.
Inova Health is taking a proactive approach. Dr. Jones emphasizes the importance of reporting all incidents to new employees and reinforces that enduring harm from patients or visitors is not part of their job.The system also stresses that respectful behavior is a condition of visitation.
“We take that privilege seriously, and we expect you to [be respectful] and if you cannot, we will remove you from our setting with no sense of hesitation,” Dr.Jones said.
In the last 18 months, Inova has allocated nearly $40 million to bolster team member safety. These funds support armed security, weapons detection in emergency rooms, de-escalation training, and advanced video monitoring.
Baptist Health in Louisville,Ky., also prioritizes staff and patient safety through daily safety briefings, according to Angie Mannino, chief human resources, marketing and communications officer. The system collaborates with caregivers to enhance safety measures,including intervention training and security protocols.
“There are serious concerns about workplace violence and harassment in the healthcare industry, and Baptist health is committed to protecting the safety of our staff, patients and visitors,” Ms. Mannino said.
Baptist Health supported Kentucky House Bill 194, now law, extending felony assault protections to all healthcare workers in various settings. Similar legislation has been introduced or enacted in other states, including Iowa, where house Bill 310 broadens the definition of healthcare providers.
What’s next
Healthcare systems are expected to continue prioritizing workplace violence prevention through enhanced security, comprehensive training, and advocacy for legislative protections, aiming to create safer environments for staff and patients.