응급실 폭력의 실태와 폭력 예방교육의 효과

Abstract

Purpose: In response to a growing threat of violence in hospitals, we examine specific educational effort to reduce emergency department ED violence in the short term. Methods: Cross-sectional prospective surveys were conducted at Chosun University Hospital Emergency Center at baseline(2003.05.26~07.09) and at post-education period(2003.08.07~09.20). Questions consisted of the degree of violence, the reason for the violence, dermographic information about violence providers, outbreak time of violence and response of emergency personnels. Results: After an education program on violence, the rate of violence events in ED was decreased in 23.52%. Notable change was that ED workers more positvely treated with aggressor isolation or restraint in post-education period. Almost all of the violence was due to the male gender and high incidence in third and fourth decade. The violence occured mostly in the night shift. 52.4% of violence was done by patient and 34.8% was done by patient's guardians. The leading cause of violence were alcohol drunken and delay of laboratory test and treatment. Verbal abuse and threats were the most concern form of violence. Conclusion: Violent events are frequent in the ED. Education programs may reduce the number of events at least temporily.