Scripps Mercy trains hospital staff to defuse patient violence

Scripps Mercy Hospital in San Diego has taken several steps to protect employees. The hospital is identifying and flagging patients believed to be prone to violent behavior, and employing a rapid response team trained in defusing potentially violent situations. De-escalation training for staff involves learning to listen with empathy and establish rapport with patients. It also includes basic self-defense tactics. California requires hospitals to report attacks and adopt workplace violence prevention plans. According to the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration, workplace violence is four times more common in health care settings than in private industry on average. More than three quarters of violent incidents are perpetrated by patients, and surveyed emergency physicians believe these incidents are on the rise. (Kaiser Health News story, 12/6/19)