Violence in Healthcare in Two Different Countries: A Study on Turkiye and Romania

Objective: The aim of this study is to assess the issue of violence in healthcare from the perspective of physicians in Sivas, Turkiye, and Sibiu, Romania. Method: This research was conducted as a descriptive study. The study population comprised 500 participants from Turkiye and 200 from Romania. A 23-item data collection form, developed by the researchers, was used. The form was divided into sections covering sociodemographic characteristics, history of exposure to violence, and perspectives on violence. The form was initially created in Turkish, translated into Romanian, and underwent content validity assessment. Data were analyzed using the SPSS 22.0 software, applying descriptive statistical analysis, chi-square tests, and independent samples T-tests. Results: Of the participants, 44% were from Turkiye and 56% from Romania. The rate of exposure to violence in healthcare was found to be 76% in Turkiye and 44% in Romania. In Romania, the most frequent setting for violence was the emergency department (53.7%), while in Turkiye, violence occurred equally in emergency departments and outpatient clinics (46.5%). The proportion of physicians considering working abroad due to healthcare-related violence was 33% in Turkiye and 5% in Romania. Physicians in both countries recommended legal reforms and stricter penalties, enhancing security in healthcare facilities, raising public awareness, and improving communication as key measures to prevent violence in healthcare. Conclusions: Violence in healthcare was identified as a significant issue in both countries. The locations and causes of violence were similar. Turkish physicians expressed a higher desire to emigrate due to violence in healthcare. It is essential for policymakers in both countries to urgently address the prevention of violence in healthcare