A growing number of healthcare workers and patients are demanding immediate legislative action to address rising workplace violence in hospitals, an April 11 survey by Black Book Research found.
The survey, which included responses from 240 individuals — emergency department physicians, nurses, hospital-based staff and 200 healthcare consumers — reveals widespread concern over increasing aggression toward medical professionals and overwhelming support for federal intervention.
Key findings show that 98% of hospital staff and 93% of healthcare consumers support federal legislation mandating workplace violence prevention measures. All staff respondents said they had experienced or witnessed violence at work, with many expressing dissatisfaction with current safety protocols.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, an average of 57 healthcare workers are injured daily due to workplace violence, resulting in lost workdays, job reassignment or medical care. Incidents range from verbal threats and physical assaults to chronic aggression, particularly in emergency departments and behavioral health units.
“Technology is now a cornerstone of prevention strategies in hospital safety plans,” Doug Brown, founder of Black Book Research, said in the report. “Healthcare IT vendors play a vital role in safeguarding hospital staff by embedding safety-focused features into the software and services used every day.”
The survey results coincide with renewed focus on H.R. 2663, the Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act. The bill would direct the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to establish national standards requiring healthcare employers to implement violence prevention plans, conduct risk assessments, provide de-escalation training and create accessible reporting mechanisms.
Despite strong bipartisan support and public endorsement, the bill remains stalled in the House Subcommittee on Work and Welfare.
The survey also found:
- 64% of hospital staff have formally documented a violent incident.
- 29% said they often avoid reporting due to fear of retaliation, management inaction or normalization of violence.
- 90% of healthcare consumers said violence against providers erodes their trust in hospitals, but zero-tolerance policies would restore confidence.
Respondents pointed to key technological and organizational strategies to reduce violence, including:
- High-tech security systems such as AI-powered surveillance and controlled-access technologies.
- Real-time communication tools and wearable panic buttons for faster emergency response.
- Integrated zero-tolerance policies and robust incident reporting platforms.
- Telehealth platforms and predictive analytics to support at-risk staff and manage behavioral health needs.
