Research covering 24 countries finds female and younger staff face worst aggression from patients
Violence and abuse by patients against staff in GP clinics is widespread globally and usually triggered by long waiting times and the refusal to prescribe requested drugs, research shows.
The findings are based on a 24-country study of the threats and aggression that family doctors, receptionists and other practice staff experience at work.
As many as nine out of 10 GP surgery personnel have suffered a physical or verbal assault during their career – in some cases the same proportion reported it over the previous 12 months.
The threatening behaviour can damage workers’ mental health, increase their stress levels and lead to them wanting to quit.
