Tool eases reporting of workplace violence incidents

A standardized tool for capturing violence data is useful for consistently collecting and reporting various types of workplace violence and severities, according to a study published in the December issue of the Journal of Nursing Administration. The Violence Event Severity Tool includes six types and four intensities of violent incidents. A survey of 96 health-care workers found 79% reported the tool is easy to use, and 85% said it was relevant and useful. Less than half of respondents were satisfied with their hospital’s current incident report filing processes. Only 38% of respondents who experienced a mild grade 1 physical assault filed an incident report, but 100% of those who experienced more severe grade 4 physical assaults filed.