Course description

This presentation will provide an overview of the state of affairs with regard to the current epidemic of violence in the American healthcare workplace. We will review the etiology of violence in healthcare, including the external and internal factors contributing to it and who is most affected by it. Leveraging actual events from healthcare settings, we will dissect the elements that may contribute to possible violence in an effort to illustrate potential de-escalation interventions to employ before violence occurs. We will review best practices for preventing and addressing violence on a policy level as well as on an individual incident level. We will discuss strategies in caring not only for patients at risk of violence but also for other patients who are receiving care when the threat of violence occurs. The presentation will also cover the importance of proper documentation of efforts to prevent and address violent situations.

Learning objectives

At the conclusion of this learning activity, participants will be able to:

• Describe the contributing factors to the recent rise in healthcare workplace violence
• Identify who is predominantly affected by this rise in violence
• Recognize potentially unsafe situations
• Summarize strategies to prevent escalation of unsafe situations
• Describe strategies for providing high-quality care while protecting yourself and your colleagues

Target audience

Physician and clinician policyholders

Disclosure

There are no relevant financial relationships with ACCME-defined commercial interests for anyone who was in control of the content of this activity.

CME information

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of the Illinois State Medical Society and ISMIE Mutual Insurance Company. The Illinois State Medical Society is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The Illinois State Medical Society designates this live activity for a maximum of 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit^™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

The Illinois Nurse Practice Act rules deem CME credit provided by approved sponsors as acceptable to fulfill nursing continuing education requirements for licensure. Nurses may claim one contact hour per unit of CME in the state of Illinois.