ABSTRACT
Workplace violence (WPV) perpetrated by patients and visitors against nurses and physicians is a problem in adult emergency departments (EDs), but largely unrecognized and unreported in pediatric EDs. The purpose of this qualitative study was to describe the WPV that occurred in a pediatric ED and the negative effects on the workers. Data included transcribed interviews with 31 pediatric ED workers, nonparticipant observations, digital photographs, and archival records and were analyzed using a modified constant comparative analysis method. Participants perceived that both genders and all occupational groups were at risk for experiencing verbal and physical WPV. Common perpetrator characteristics were patients receiving a psychiatric evaluation and visitors exhibiting acute anxiety. Effects were experienced by workers, perpetrators, patient bystanders, and healthcare employers. It is concluded that WPV is a problem in this pediatric ED, and interventions need to be implemented to promote the safety of the workers and patients.