A new study that examined the experiences of nurses and personal support workers suggests that violence is pervasive in hospitals across Ontario.
Researchers conducted focus-group interviews with more than 50 hospital staff members who had experienced verbal, physical or sexual assault, mostly perpetrated by patients.
Study co-author Margaret Keith says violent incidents can occur in virtually any part of a hospital, perpetrated by patients and even by visiting family members.
Research shows that while attacks often involve patients with psychiatric issues or those high on illicit drugs, they can also occur as a response to long wait times or what's perceived to be inadequate care.
Keith says there actually seems to be a culture within the hospital system that has normalized violence as being part of the job.
The study is published in the Journal of Environmental and Occupational Health Policy.
The research was initiated by the Canadian Union of Public Employees through its Ontario Council of Hospital Unions.