Workplace Violence Process against Emergency Medical Services Staffs: A Grounded Theory

BACKGROUND: Workplace Violence (WPV) is an undesirable social phenomenon that threatens patients and staff safety and work environments. Despite the high prevalence of WPV and its serious consequences, limited studies have been conducted on its roots and formation in pre-hospital emergency. The aim of this study was to explore and explain the process of workplace violence against emergency medical service personnel.

METHODS: This qualitative study was performed using grounded theory approach in 2015. The study participants included 17 Emergency Medical Service (EMS) staffs working in Tehran and Guilan provinces, Iran. Data were collected by semi-structured interviews and analyzed using the Strauss/Corbin approach and constant comparative method. The paradigm model of WPV is presented in this study.

RESULTS: “Serving within the context of workplace violence” was presented as the main theory. Five main groups of paradigm model theory were identified as triggers, context, and intensifiers of violence, copying strategies, and outcomes. The important consequences of violence include physical and psychological health injury of staff in the process of service delivery.

CONCLUSIONS: Despite their repeated exposure to violence and its consequences, EMS staffs usually fulfill their main role and perform their tasks. Training of stress management, familiarizing the community with the responsibilities of EMS, reducing response time, creating efficient communication systems, using appropriate facilities and manpower, training violence control, improving employees’ job satisfaction, and coordinating cooperation with the police can reduce workplace violence. The supporting of the WPV victims is essential to improve the health and safety of EMS staff.