Terminology, stereotypes and aggressive dynamics in the accident and emergency department

Ferns, Terry (2005) Terminology, stereotypes and aggressive dynamics in the accident and emergency department. Accident and Emergency Nursing, 13 (4). pp. 238-246. ISSN 0965-2302

Abstract

There is a perception that violence against staff practising in accident and emergency (A&E) departments is increasing [Fernandes, C.M.B., Bouthillette, F., Raboud, J.M., Bullock, L., Moore, C.F., Christenson, J.M., Grafstein, E., Rae, S., Ouellet, L., Gillrie, C., Way, M., 1999. Violence in the emergency department: a survey of health care workers, Canadian Medical Association Journal 11, 1–6; Jenkins, M.G., Rocke, L.G., McNicholl, B.P., Hughes, D.M., 1998. Violence and verbal abuse against staff in the A and E departments: a survey of consultants in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland, Journal of Accident and Emergency Medicine 15, 262–265; Rose, M., 1997. A survey of violence towards nursing staff in one large Irish Accident and Emergency department, Journal of Emergency Nursing 23(3), 214–219]. This paper discusses traditional stereotypes of the violent A&E client by critiquing the current literature. The paper then goes on to question whether some health care professionals themselves are contributing to a climate of fear and the development of conflict.

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