Joint Commission releases Sentinel Event Alert about workplace violence

Patient Safety Monitor Alert

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June 9, 2010

Last week The Joint Commission released its second Sentinel Event Alert of the year, concerning workplace violence. Healthcare workers are commonly confronted with various types of violent crime and the alert was intended to offer some guidance for facilities to reduce the rate of violence towards staff and patients. Specifically the alert said there have been "significant increases in reports of assault, rape, and homicide, with the greatest number of reports in the last three years," according to HealthLeaders Media..

Since 1995, The Joint Commission’s Sentinel Event Database has recorded 265 workplace violence events, although that number is generally thought to be much lower than the actual number of cases due to under-reporting of events. It is important to consider not only the potential for incoming threats because healthcare facilities are open to the public, but also the potential for violence aimed at patients on the part of hospital staff.

You can read the full list of The Joint Commission's recommendations within this HealthLeaders Media article.