Exploring the influence of workplace violence and bystander behaviour on patient safety in Korea: A pilot study

초록

Aims To explore the influences of clinical nurses' workplace violence and bystander behaviour on patient safety. Background Bystanders' role in social violence affects the consequences of said violence; however, few studies have explored the relationship between workplace violence and patient safety among nurses working in clinical settings. Methods A cross-sectional survey design was conducted using a structured questionnaire pertaining to workplace violence, bystander behaviour, patient safety culture and nurse-assessed patient safety outcomes. The questionnaire was administered to 185 bedside nurses at a university hospital in a metropolitan city in Korea. Results A regression model with department, patient safety culture, workplace bullying, incivility and bystander behaviour explained approximately 34.0% of patient safety. Further, defending bystander behaviour, facilitating bystander behaviour, work-related bullying and co-worker incivility influenced the patient safety. Conclusion Being a facilitating bystander was a threat to patient safety, while being a defending bystander enhanced patient safety. Implications for nursing management The negative consequences of workplace violence on patient safety may be mitigated by colleagues' reaction to violence; therefore, nursing policymakers should emphasize the role of positive bystanders as an organisational strategy against workplace violence.

키워드