Understanding the Multifaceted Roots of Aggression Toward Healthcare Workers
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17697/ibmrd/2026/v15i1/174512Keywords:
Healthcare worker violence; Workplace aggression; Patient-initiated violence; Root cause analysis; Qualitative research; Healthcare safetyAbstract
Violence against healthcare professionals has emerged as a critical global concern affecting service delivery, professional wellbeing, and patient safety. Despite increasing recognition, comprehensive understanding of underlying causes remains limited. This qualitative study explores fundamental root causes through semi-structured interviews with 45 stakeholders across multiple healthcare settings. Thematic analysis revealed five primary causal domains: systemic healthcare failures including resource constraints and excessive waiting times, communication breakdowns between providers and patients, sociocultural shifts diminishing professional respect, organizational inadequacies in security and support, and psychological stressors affecting both patients and providers. Findings demonstrate that violence emerges from complex interactions among systemic, interpersonal, and sociocultural factors. Effective interventions require comprehensive, multilevel approaches addressing healthcare infrastructure, communication protocols, organizational policies, and societal attitudes rather than isolated reactive measures.
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