In recent years, a disturbing trend of escalating verbal and physical attacks in hospitals has posed a growing concern for healthcare professionals. An increasing number of medical staff have found themselves at the receiving end of patient aggression, making it a paramount issue for the healthcare industry. The Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine (IKEM) in Prague has emerged as a trailblazer in addressing this challenge by providing self-defense courses to its staff. This proactive approach underscores the significance of understanding and effectively managing patient aggression, enhancing safety for both healthcare workers and patients.

IKEM’s self-defense courses, introduced at the end of the previous year, are an integral part of the institute’s comprehensive efforts to ensure the well-being and safety of its employees. These courses cater to doctors, nurses, and other staff members and are conducted in smaller groups, encompassing both theoretical and practical components. Participants are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to assess risks, prevent conflicts, and protect themselves proficiently in challenging scenarios. The ultimate objective is to arm healthcare professionals with the confidence and expertise to address aggressive incidents while safeguarding their own safety.

Patient aggression can manifest in various forms, ranging from verbal abuse to physical assaults and property damage. Recent incidents at hospitals across the nation have highlighted the urgency of tackling this issue. For instance, in a Pelhřimov hospital, an enraged patient vandalized the facility’s toilets, while in the Pardubice hospital, a man verbally abused staff and damaged hospital equipment. These situations not only jeopardize the well-being of healthcare professionals but also hinder the provision of high-quality care to other patients.

IKEM’s self-defense courses deliver hands-on training to healthcare workers, focusing on de-escalation techniques for handling confrontational situations. Participants learn to assess and defuse conflicts, preventing them from spiraling into physical altercations. They are trained to maintain composure, establish eye contact, and communicate assertively with aggressive patients. The courses emphasize situational awareness and equip participants with the necessary skills to intervene physically if required, ensuring the safety of themselves and others.

IKEM’s initiative serves as a model for healthcare facilities throughout the country. Hospitals in Beroun, Ostrava, and Havlíčkův Brod have also implemented similar self-defense courses as part of their safety measures. By arming healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills to respond effectively to aggressive incidents, these institutions cultivate a safer environment for staff and patients alike.

It is imperative to recognize that rising patient aggression often stems from factors such as heightened emotions, substance abuse, or underlying mental health disorders. While the immediate focus is on ensuring the safety of healthcare professionals, it is equally crucial to address the root causes of patient aggression. This calls for a multifaceted approach that promotes understanding and empathy, involving early intervention, mental health support, and community education.

IKEM’s proactive stance in confronting patient aggression underscores its commitment to fostering a safe and secure environment for its staff. By providing self-defense courses and promoting awareness, IKEM empowers healthcare professionals with the tools to navigate challenging situations and protect themselves and their colleagues. As other hospitals take inspiration from IKEM’s efforts, there is hope that this collective commitment will lead to a substantial reduction in patient aggression nationwide, while addressing the underlying issues that contribute to such behavior.

Article by Prague Forum