Cross-sectional study on patient-physician aggression in Belgium: physician characteristics and aggression types

• Published in: BMJ open Vol. 9; no. 12; p. e025942
• Main Authors: De Jager, Lennart, Deneyer, Michel, Buyl, Ronald, Roelandt, Sophie, Pacqueu, Ralph, Devroey, Dirk
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England British Medical Journal Publishing Group 18.12.2019; BMJ Publishing Group LTD; BMJ Publishing Group
• Subjects: Aggressiveness; agression; Assaults; Careers; Councils; Cross-sectional studies; Fines & penalties; General practice / Family practice; Medical personnel; Murders & murder attempts; patient-physician relationship; Physician patient relationships; Physicians; Questionnaires; Sexual harassment; Statistical analysis; Violence; Workplace violence; Belgium; United States > US; China; patient-physician relationship; agression; violence
• ISSN: 2044-6055; 2044-6055
• DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-025942

ObjectivesThe 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.DesignCross-sectional survey.SettingPrimary and secondary care inside and outside hospitals.ParticipantsAny physician who had worked in Belgium for the preceding 12 months was eligible to participate (n=34 648).Main outcome measuresAn 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.ResultsThe 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.ConclusionBelgian 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.