Citation

Hamblin LE, Essenmacher L, Luborsky M, Russell J, Janisse J, Upfal M, Arnetz J. J. Occup. Environ. Med. 2017; 59(9): 875-884.

Affiliation

Department of Family Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan (Drs Hamblin, Judith Arnetz); Detroit Medical Center, Occupational Health Services, Detroit, Michigan (Ms Essenmacher, Mr Russell, Dr Upfal); Institute of Gerontology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan (Dr Luborsky); Department of Neurobiology, Caring Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden (Dr Luborsky); Department of Family Medicine and Public Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan (Dr Janisse); Department of Emergency Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan (Dr Upfal), Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden (Dr Arnetz); and Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden (Dr Arnetz).

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1097/JOM.0000000000001081

PMID

28692010

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe the implementation of a data-driven, unit-based walkthrough intervention shown to be effective in reducing the risk of workplace violence in hospitals.

METHODS: A structured worksite walkthrough was conducted on 21 hospital units. Unit-level workplace violence data were reviewed and a checklist of possible prevention strategies and an Action Plan form guided development of unit-specific intervention. Unit supervisor perceptions of the walkthrough and implemented prevention strategies were reported via questionnaires. Prevention strategies were categorized as environmental, behavioral, or administrative.

RESULTS: A majority of units implemented strategies within 12 months' postintervention. Participants found the walkthrough useful, practical, and worthy of continued use.

CONCLUSIONS: Structured worksite walkthroughs provide a feasible method for workplace violence reduction in hospitals. Core elements are standardized yet flexible, promoting fidelity and transferability of this intervention.

Language: en