Violence in the Emergency Department Strategies for Prevention and Response

Violence in healthcare facilities presents a growing and significant challenge to patients, providers, support staff, and visitors. Hospital emergency departments (EDs)—where doors are always “open”—are frequently the site of violence, which is either carried over from external conflict or perpetrated by patients (and/or their loved ones) against healthcare workers. This article highlights variables that contribute to challenging situations and strategies hospitals can use to prevent them, keeping patients and staff as safe as possible.