When medicine becomes a danger: aggression in Wetterau's health care

When medicine becomes a danger: aggression in Wetterau's health care

In the healthcare industry, the staff always faces aggressive attacks and rude behavior of patients. Long waiting times, the misunderstanding of medical processes or simply frustrated moods mean that the nerves of the parties involved are put to the test. The doctor is actually there to help and promote the health of the patients, but reality in many practices and clinics often looks different.

In the Wetteraukreis, Dr. Alexander Jakob, a family doctor and chairman of the Wetterau district practicing in Bad Nauheim, found the increasing aggressiveness among the patients. "The pressure is often built up in the reception area," he explains. Many patients try to get appointments or findings faster, which leads to verbal attacks on the employees. "This is now everyday life in the practices," he adds.

incidents in clinics

The situation in the hospitals is similarly worrying. Dr. Andreas Jungbauer, senior physician at the Hochwaldkrankenhaus Bad Nauheim, reports on regular insulting statements and violent rejections that doctors and nurses have to experience. "There are about four to five physical attacks a year in our facilities, especially in the emergency rooms," he describes the alarming location. Youth sins seem to play a role in many cases, since the perpetrators are often under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Another reason why patients often react aggressively can be wrong expectations of the role of emergency rooms. Many cases of illness that do not have to be treated immediately are incorrectly regarded as emergencies, which can lead to frustration and anger if the employees do not accept this immediately. Dr. Jungbauer gives an example: "Sometimes a lack of communication between the patient and staff brings more understanding, but it does not always work."

emergency mechanisms for de -escalation

In addition, training courses are offered for de -escalation. Almut Weber, head of a martial arts school in Friedberg, offers workshops that deal with the challenges in the healthcare industry. "Interactive communication is crucial. Sometimes a simple water or coffee is enough to calm a tense atmosphere," she says. One of their recommendations includes creating a barrier between the patient and staff to prevent potential assault.

The preventive measures are becoming increasingly important if one wants to contain the spread of aggressive behavior in the healthcare system. "We rely on self -defense techniques in martial arts and to use the momentum of an attacker," explains Weber.

A concrete incident that illustrates the concerns of the employees recently took place in the Hochwaldkrankenhaus. A patient who was held after a violent outbreak in connection with his problems with the social welfare office injured a nurse. Although the employees have managed to control the situation, the incident makes it clear how quickly aggression can escalate.

The incidents in the Wetterau are not isolated, but they reflect a much bigger problem with which the healthcare staff is confronted nationwide. It is all the more important that everyone involved understands how to ensure your own security and that of the patient with the dawned and forward -looking measures.

The handling of aggressive patients not only requires medical skills, but also a well thought -out strategy for de -escalation and communication. The health industry is the responsibility of creating working conditions that are safe for both patients and staff. Training and various approaches to improve communication strategies are essential for this.

violence against medical staff is a widespread phenomenon that occurs not only in Germany, but also in many other countries. Studies show that the increase in aggression and attacks on health personnel is a serious problem. A survey by the World Health Organization (WHO) found in 2021 that up to 38% of health institutions are affected by violent incidents in many countries. This can include both physical and verbal attacks that can affect both the staff and the patients in the facilities. The pressure under which the health system was during the Covid 19 pandemic has tightened the situation because frustrations have increased over long waiting times and inadequate care.

In Germany, the Federal Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians has already taken measures to address this problem. This includes training in de -escalation techniques and the provision of resources for employees to support them in their work. At the same time, it is emphasized that society as a whole should be made aware of the challenges with which the medical staff is confronted to find long -term solutions.

Protection measures and measures

In recent years, many hospitals and medical practices have strengthened their security precautions. This includes the installation of surveillance cameras, the creation of safe retreats for employees and the implementation of immediate alarm reactions. In addition, numerous institutions offer psychological support for employees who have been victims of violence. These measures are crucial to ensure a safe work environment and give the staff the feeling that their security is taken seriously.

Another important aspect is the creation of a awareness of the community for this problem. Local initiatives and campaigns can help promote the dialogue about the respectful handling of healthcare staff. Organizers of health fairs and information evenings have the opportunity to raise awareness and to clarify the challenges that doctors and nurses have to cope with every day. Public relations can help change perception and to promote understanding of the conditions under which health service providers work.