Preventing Workplace Violence in Home Health and Hospice

Healthcare workers experience some of the highest rates of workplace violence, with consequences ranging from acute physical or psychological trauma to chronic and systemic issues for providers and organizations. Not only does workplace violence put healthcare workers and patients at risk, but it also leads to increased burnout, high employee turnover, and an ongoing mental health crisis in the healthcare industry. While there is no one-size-fits all solution to workplace violence, a comprehensive prevention plan that includes staff training on violence de-escalation has been shown to be effective at reducing violent incidents in the workplace. In this course, we will explore the complexities of workplace violence in the healthcare setting, examine the institutional and environmental protections in place to prevent workplace violence, and look at personal strategies and de-escalation techniques for staying safe.

Course Objectives
1.Define workplace violence in the healthcare setting, including the four types of workplace violence
2. Examine the risk factors that can precipitate workplace violence
3. Understand organizational and institutional protections against workplace violence, including a proper workplace violence prevention program
4. Explore violence prevention tactics for employees, including de-escalation techniques
5. Identify reporting protocols and resources for employees who have experienced violent incidents

This course has been written in alignment with the Joint Commission’s new and revised workplace violence prevention requirements for 2024 and satisfies Standard HRM.01.05.01

Estimated Runtime: 24 minutes

Reviewed and approved by
Margherita Labson, RN, BSN, MSHSA, CPHQ, CGB

NOTE: This course is not a substitute for legal advice for any individual provider or situation. Always consult your company’s legal or compliance personnel with any questions or concerns related to this subject matter.