@article{ref1,
title="Security infrastructure in German emergency departments",
journal="Notfall + Rettungsmedizin",
year="2016",
author="Frick, J. and Slagman, A. and Lomberg, L. and Searle, J. and Möckel, M. and Lindner, T.",
volume="19",
number="8",
pages="666-670",
abstract="Background International publications report a high frequency of physical violence of patients and visitors against staff in emergency departments (EDs). Comparable data for Germany are rare, as is knowledge about security infrastructure and useful interventions to defend and prevent violence. Aim The objective of this explorative study was to estimate the frequency and nature of violence in German EDs and to describe implemented security infrastructure and interventions to defend and prevent violence. <br><br>METHODS We performed a cross-sectional study with an online survey with medical directors and nursing managers in German EDs. The questionnaire included 17 questions and was published via mailing list and via the website of the German Association for Emergency Medicine (DGINA). <br><br>RESULTS A total of 66 medical directors and nursing managers answered the questionnaire. Physical violence was noted by 54 of 59 participants (91.5 %) within a timeframe of 3 months; 51.5 % thought about the topic of improving security infrastructure. Security measures, like the permanent presence of security staff were mainly unavailable, while structural security interventions, e. g., internal alarm signals (33.9 %) or panic rooms (10.2 %), were partly available. Nearly two thirds (69.7 %) of all EDs wished for de-escalation programs to improve security. <br><br>CONCLUSIONS Physical violence against staff seems to be a relevant problem in German EDs. Only every second institution seems to be looking into security-related matters. Currently, the most frequently conducted security interventions are de-escalations programs. <p /> <p>Language: de</p>",
language="de",
issn="1434-6222",
doi="10.1007/s10049-016-0179-0",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10049-016-0179-0"
}