Certified Healthcare Safety Professional (CHSP) Practice Exam

What percentage of violent incidents in healthcare are sourced from patients?

1. 60%

2. 70%

3. 80%

4. 90%

The correct answer is: 80%

The assertion that 80% of violent incidents in healthcare are sourced from patients highlights a significant aspect of safety within healthcare settings. This statistic emphasizes the reality that a considerable majority of workplace violence originates from patients, which is essential information for healthcare professionals and administrators when developing safety protocols, training programs, and prevention strategies. Understanding that patients are often the source of these incidents helps in recognizing the interplay of mental health issues, medication effects, and the stressors that may lead to violent behavior. It enables organizations to prioritize staff training in de-escalation techniques and develop environments that can help mitigate risks, ensuring both patient and staff safety. Acknowledging this high percentage also points to the need for ongoing assessment of the patient population to identify those who may be at risk for violent behavior. By focusing on the primary source of these incidents, healthcare organizations can implement targeted interventions, such as better patient monitoring and enhanced support systems, thereby creating a safer healthcare environment.