Violenza verso gli infermieri in area triage

Introduction: several studies indicate that health care providers are increasingly the subject of verbal, psychological and/or physical aggressions. Among them, the Emergency Department nurses, especially if engaged in triage, are the most vulnerable to acts of violence in the course of their work. This study shows the results of a three–year monitoring of violent events in the Triage Area of the ED of Perugia (Italy). Material and methods: between May 2010 and April 2013, a retrospective analysis of violent incidents was conducted using nursing staff incident reporting forms and brief semi–Dstructured interviews. Results: a total of 20 violent events were reported with a monthly average of 0.6. Nine nurses were assaulted (26% of the 34 nurses working in the department). Most of the violent incidents were verbal (90%) and two were physical (10%). Aggression and crowding, sex of the patient and priority levels are directly related; waiting times and physical illnesses were not triggers. Discussion: the interview shows that the low number of reports is related to under–Dreporting, and that corrective action may reduce the frequency of attacks. Conclusion: only through a comprehensive approach to aggression in the ED can we find an effective response to the problem of violence against nurses.