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ABSTRACT: Objectives
The aim of this Belgian research study was to describe the characteristics of physicians who are at increased risk for patient-physician aggression. Second, aggression subtypes were described and data were provided on the prevalence of patient-physician aggression in Belgium.Design
Cross-sectional survey.Setting
Primary and secondary care inside and outside hospitals.Participants
Any physician who had worked in Belgium for the preceding 12 months was eligible to participate (n=34?648).Main outcome measures
An online, original questionnaire was used to obtain physician characteristics (eg, age, sex, native language), department, working conditions and contact with aggressive patients during their career and during the preceding 12 months.Results
The questionnaire was completed by 4930 participants and 3726 (76%) were valid to take into account for statistics. During the preceding 12 months, 37% had been victims of aggression: 33% experienced verbal aggression, 30% psychological, 14% physical and 10% sexual. Multiple answers were allowed. Women and younger physicians were more likely to experience aggression. Psychiatric departments and emergency departments were the settings most commonly associated with aggression. Physicians who provided primarily outpatient care were more subject to aggression.Conclusion
Belgian physicians experience several forms of aggression. Those most at-risk of aggression are young and female physicians who work in outpatient, emergency or psychiatric settings.
SUBMITTER: De Jager L
PROVIDER: S-EPMC6937035 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Dec
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
De Jager Lennart L Deneyer Michel M Buyl Ronald R Roelandt Sophie S Pacqueu Ralph R Devroey Dirk D
BMJ open 20191218 12
<h4>Objectives</h4>The aim of this Belgian research study was to describe the characteristics of physicians who are at increased risk for patient-physician aggression. Second, aggression subtypes were described and data were provided on the prevalence of patient-physician aggression in Belgium.<h4>Design</h4>Cross-sectional survey.<h4>Setting</h4>Primary and secondary care inside and outside hospitals.<h4>Participants</h4>Any physician who had worked in Belgium for the preceding 12 months was el ...[more]