Violent incidents (VI) in emergency departments (EDs) are under-reported concerns for emergency care providers (ECP). There are limited data from EDs in India.

This is a study of pattern and factors associated with VIs in the ED of a Level-1 Trauma Center.

A qualitative survey questionnaire was distributed to 42 ECPs who worked in the ED of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences. Responses of ECPs were compiled and analyzed.

A total of 78.6% of nurses, 19.1% doctors, and 2.4% registration clerks participated in the study. A total of 54.8% were female. A total of 85.7% had five years of work experience in the ED. A total of 59.5% witnessed and experienced verbal abuse; 19.04% witnessed and experienced physical abuse. The remaining experienced and witnessed verbal abuse as well as physical abuse. A total of 57.1% had experienced VI multiple times in last six months. Of these, 88.2% faced the incident between 8 pm and 8 am. The ECP reported the incident to hospital authority's 54.8% of the time, 19.1% reported it to the police, and 14.29% did not report, while 7.1% reported to police and hospital administration. Eighty-five percent experienced insecurity & emotional disturbance. Patient-related factors included intoxication and anxiety. Healthcare system-related factors included delay in investigations, non-availability of beds, overcrowding of ED, and lack of staff. A total of 47.7% of participants felt that there was improper communication between healthcare workers and 40.1% felt that non-availability of senior doctor were the system deficiency factors. A total of 16.6% of ECPs had formal training regarding communication skills, and 11.9% had grief counseling. All respondents felt that steps should be taken to decrease and mitigate the VIs in the ED.

Verbal and physical abuse of emergency care workers is common.