Evidence-Based Reviews

Returning to work after a patient assault

Current Psychiatry. 2023 November;22(11):20-25,30 | doi: 10.12788/cp.0406

References

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4. Finding long-term support

Longitudinal support is key in the initial transition back to work, as well as in the following weeks and months. Studies assessing the impacts of patient assault on mental health nurses indicate that while most individuals exposed to a traumatic event do not develop PTSD, many reported continued somatic symptoms, and more still reported ongoing psychological effects such as recurring thoughts of the assault, fear, generalized anger, and feeling a loss of control.⁸ Peer support is a common method employed by physicians and nurses alike, but administrative support is also essential.⁸

Regardless which form of psychotherapy, medication treatment, or peer support is utilized, access to the tools the psychiatrist finds most helpful is crucial to making them feel safe and comfortable returning to their role. Table 2 details practical steps administrators and peers can take to facilitate longitudinal support in these situations. In the case of Dr. M, administration was not only supportive in encouraging time off, but also in allowing protected time for therapy when she endorsed distress over the event. The combination of immediate responses and more long-term support greatly helped Dr. M continue her role as a psychiatrist and remain satisfied with her work.

Bottom Line

Being assaulted by a patient can make a psychiatrist reluctant to return to work. Strategies to ease this transition include seeking immediate care, removing the patient from the care of the psychiatrist who was assaulted, easing back into the environment, and finding long-term support.

Related Resources

Lapic S, Joshi KG. What to do after a patient assaults you. Current Psychiatry. 2017;16(10):53-54.
Joshi KG. Workplace violence: enhance your safety in outpatient settings. Current Psychiatry. 2021;20(8):37-38. doi:10.12788/cp.0163
Su D. Harassment of health care workers: a survey. Current Psychiatry. 2021;20(6):48-50. doi:10.12788/cp.0135
Rozel JS, Wiles C, Amin P. Too close for comfort: when the psychiatrist is stalked. Current Psychiatry. 2022;21(1): 23-28. doi:10.12788/cp.0209