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Review policies, environment as assaults against ER staff rise

Violence against ER physicians is pervasive and increasing, research released this October shows.

In a survey conducted for the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), a majority of the 3,539 doctors polled said they had been the victims of workplace violence recently. About 62% of ER physicians reported being assaulted in the past year, with 24% saying they had been assaulted two to five times.

“The main point is this is a problem that is real, it is increasing, and unfortunately the results of this poll will not surprise any practicing physician,” Vidor Friedman, MD, ACEP president-elect and an ER physician in Florida, said during a press conference October 2.

The press conference focused on research findings, solutions for violence in ERs, and the impact on patients who witness acts of violence.

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