University Awarded $1.3 Million to Study Violence in Emergency Departments

The University of Cincinnati College of Nursing has been awarded a $1.3 million grant from NIOSH to research ways to curb violence against direct care providers in emergency departments.

"We are very excited about this award which will make a significant contribution to an issue that needs to be brought to the forefront of the health care community and the public in general," said Andrea Lindell, PhD, nursing dean.

The study focuses on physical violence and verbal threats by patients and visitors against direct care providers -- including physicians, nurses and aides -- in adult emergency departments.

The researchers also will investigate effective intervention methods. According to principal investigator Donna Gates, EdD, 60 percent of workplace assaults in 2006 occurred in health care settings, and most of those assaults were committed by patients.

"You are not going to be able to get workplace violence to zero, but it should certainly never be tolerated and accepted," says Gates, a UC professor of nursing whose prior study, "Violence: Recognition, Management and Prevention," was published in the Journal of Emergency Medicine in 2006.

Gates said while much research has been conducted to establish that violence against health care providers in emergency departments does exist and is on the rise, there are no known studies on how interventions might reduce the alarming trend.

Gates and co-investigator Gordon Gillespie, Ph.D., will work with six hospital emergency departments nationwide, identifying baseline violent behaviors such as physical assault or verbal threats of harm. They will then implement guidelines and procedures to address violent behaviors when they arise.

Once the interventions are in place, the researchers will measure for violent behaviors again to assess the effectiveness of the interventions.

Download Center

  • Hand Safety Program

    Hand injuries are the #1 preventable industrial accident worldwide. In REThink Hand Safety, the most comprehensive book on hand safety, you'll learn how top companies have reduced hand injuries by up to 90% and what the most successful hand safety programs have in common. Get your free copy today.

  • Free 1-on-1 Consultations

    Get a free meeting with a Superior Glove hand safety expert and learn how to have less hand injuries, lower PPE costs, and increase worker productivity. 1-on-1 consultations provide you with personalized advice and recommendations for your specific needs and concerns.

  • Glove 101 Guide

    In this comprehensive guide, we've compiled all the key information you need to know about safety gloves to help you make informed decisions when choosing gloves for your workers. Whether you're new to the world of safety gloves or an experienced pro, this guide has something for everyone.

  • Sample Program

    Find the right safety gloves for your team and try before you buy—in just 3 easy steps! Simply add the products to your sample box, complete the request form, and wait for your samples to arrive at no cost to you.

  • Cut Protection Product Guide

    Find the right safety gloves for your workers to protect them from cut hazards. This guide offers a wide selection of gloves, including ultra-thin gloves with the industry’s maximum cut resistance for unbeatable dexterity and touch sensitivity.

  • Superior Glove

Featured Whitepaper

OH&S Digital Edition

  • OHS Magazine Digital Edition - February March 2023

    February March 2023

    Featuring:

    • IH: GAS DETECTION
      Does Real-Time Data Enhance Gas Detection Programs?
    • PPE: HEARING PROTECTION
      Hearing Protection: The Dangers of Non-Compliance
    • PPE: PROTECTIVE APPAREL
      Personal Protective Equipment: The Pains of Staying Pain-Free
    • CONSTRUCTION SAFETY
      Reframing Eyewear: Meeting Workforce Needs with Technology and Advancements
    View This Issue