A systematic review and meta-analysis of factors that relate to aggression perpetrated against nurses by patients/relatives or staff

Aims and objectives- The aim of this meta-analysis was to identify the factors that related to aggression (verbal abuse, or physical abuse/assault) perpetrated against the nurse or other health professional by patients/relatives or staff. In light of the paucity of systematic reviews on this common issue in nursing, the objective was to present a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of these papers.
Background – Aggression towards nurses is common around the world and can be the impetus for nurses leaving the profession or developing anxiety when working in particular settings.
Design- Systematic review with meta-analysis
Data Sources- The databases of Medline (1966 to 2015), CINAHL (1982 to 2015) and PsychInfo (1920 to 2015).
Methods- Meta-analyses were conducted to assess the effect of the factors of gender and context (dichotomised as mental health/psychiatric or non-mental health/psychiatric).
Results - A total of 1571 papers were screened by two reviewers. At the final decision 14 were selected for analysis. A higher proportion of female nurses than male nurses were reported to be the victims of verbal abuse, with the difference in proportions being statistically significant. A statistically significant higher proportion of male nurses than female nurses were reported to be the victims of physical abuse. There was a significantly higher proportion of mental health nurses reported experiencing physical abuse as compared to non-mental health nurses.
Conclusions – The analysis reveal female nurses have greater odds of verbal abuse than male nurses and male nurses have greater odds of physical abuse than female nurses. Overall mental health nurses had 3 times higher odds of physical assault than other nurses.
Relevance to clinical practice- In light of the findings it is recommended organisational support improve in high aggression potential clinical areas and for nursing curriculums to incorporate education about the management of challenging behaviours in undergraduate programs.