Inadequacy of interventions to eliminate or reduce violence against healthcare professionals by patients and/or their relatives

Workplace violence (Type II), which is defined as verbal, physical and sexual assault behaviour directed at healthcare workers by patients and their relatives, is a complex concept arising from a variety of individual, social, economic, cultural and political factors. Despite differences in its definition, classification, and the destructive consequences it produces, workplace violence is a growing public health issue worldwide. It affects not only the healthcare worker who experiences it, but also the institution where the incident occurs, other patients and their families, and the perpetrator of the violent act. Every year, countless healthcare workers are harmed. The violence prevention strategies introduced by governments are aimed at managing violence and are still far from permanent and functional solutions. Permanent and effective solutions require a thorough and comprehensive approach to the issue. This study evaluates the effectiveness of workplace violence prevention programmes in line with the current literature. Primary, secondary and tertiary prevention interventions are addressed in depth. It is evident that intervention programmes alone, at any one level, are insufficient to eliminate workplace violence and that a comprehensive programme is required. Additionally, the necessity of eliminating the risk factors that cause workplace violence, rather than merely managing them, is discussed. The results of this study are expected to inform health policy.