40 Data and measurement systems to enhance workforce violence prevention

<h3>Background</h3> Workplace violence in healthcare has a significant impact on the safety and well-being of healthcare workers and the quality of patient care. Despite increased prevention efforts, there continues to be a lack of standardization and best practice recommendations around data and measurement of workplace violence to assist in predicting, preventing, and addressing events. <h3>Objectives</h3> The goal of this work was to review and define best practice recommendations for a workplace violence prevention data and measurement structure to optimize analysis, action, and collaboration across organizations to reduce incidents. <h3>Methods</h3> A comprehensive review of the literature, over 30 expert interviews, collaboration with key organizations across the industry, and an expert panel informed the development of a driver diagram and identification of critical elements needed for effective workplace violence mitigation. <h3>Results</h3> A framework was developed that includes recommendations for core data elements to be collected when reporting an incident, during the investigation phase, and in follow-up to a workplace violence event. <h3>Conclusions and Implications</h3> This standardized measurement structure recommendation offers actionable insights to inform effective strategies for predicting, preventing, and addressing workplace violence incidents. By utilizing key data elements and a data-driven approach, organizations can enhance their training and education programs, develop proactive security measures, inform response strategies, guide clinical and behavioral plans, design supportive follow-up for teams, and create safer environments for staff and patients. Applying a standardized approach to workplace violence data not only supports local initiatives, but also allows for collaboration across organizations to accelerate progress in keeping our workforce safe from harm across the industry.