TJC Issues Sentinel Event Alert Addressing Workplace Violence

The Joint Commission (TJC) has released a new Sentinel Event Alert along with other resources aimed at protecting healthcare professionals from workplace violence.  The focus of Sentinel Event Alert 59 is on the physical and verbal abuse directed daily at healthcare workers by patients and visitors. The alert is intended to help staff handle the violence as well as deal with its aftermath.

According to a source cited in the alert, “health care workers have a 20 percent higher chance of being the victim of workplace violence than other workers.” The alert goes on to explain that instances of such violence are probably even greater because reporting of such incidents is voluntary.

TJC suggests 7 actions that facilities can take beginning with the adoption of a clear and comprehensive definition of workplace violence as well as enabling an efficient system for reporting all such incidents when they happen. An infographic released alongside the alert provides eye-opening statistics and information that staff can use in identifying potentially dangerous situations.

To learn more and to read Sential Alert 59, click here.