Doctors subjects of patients' verbal, physical aggression

In a study published today in the Medical Journal of Australia, Monash University researchers undertook an Australian-first survey of more than 9400 clinical medical practitioners to determine the prevalence of aggression directed towards them by patients, patients' families and carers, co-workers and others external to the workplace.

Danny Hills and Associate Professor Catherine Joyce from the University's Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, and Emeritus Professor John Humphreys from the School of Rural Health, surveyed general practitioners (GPs) and GP registrars, specialists, hospital non-specialists and specialists-in-training between March 2010 and June 2011.

Mr Hills, a doctoral scholar, said data analysis clearly revealed that certain groups were more vulnerable to aggression.

"We found that younger and hospital-based clinicians were more likely to have experienced aggression," Mr Hills said. 

"Hospitalised patients are likely to be suffering more severe conditions, and consequently be highly distressed, compared to those visiting GPs, so that finding is not surprising."

"Younger doctors will necessarily be less experienced in aggression minimisation strategies compared with more senior clinicians. They may also be afforded a lower professional status and associated levels of respect."

Results indicated that GPs who had gained their qualifications overseas were also more likely to have been subject to aggression from patients.

Previous research suggested that cultural or communication issues may play a role in aggression directed towards international medical graduates. The researchers urged further research into this phenomenon due to the importance of these doctors to the Australian health system.

Mr Hills said workplace aggression had important implications both on the individual level for doctors, and more broadly for the medical workforce. 

"Previous research has found that clinicians who were exposed to aggression reported lowered confidence or enthusiasm for their work, and an increase in medical errors," Mr Hills said.

"Ultimately, if this workplace aggression is not appropriately addressed, especially in the cases of international graduates and younger clinicians, it may contribute to difficulties in recruiting and retaining doctors."

Journal reference: Medical Journal of Australia

Provided by Monash University