More than half (55 percent) of the 1,102 doctors surveyed had experienced verbal violence at least once in the past two years, and a quarter (24 percent) had faced psychological violence in their profession, the survey showed. "16 percent have had to endure physical violence," said Medical Chamber President Johannes Steinhart at a press conference on Thursday.

The violence primarily comes from patients, and secondarily from their relatives, according to the survey conducted by the opinion research institute of Peter Hajek. The main causes of aggression and violence were identified as long waiting times, overcrowded practices and hospitals, and staff shortages. 71 percent of the surveyed Viennese doctors see a general increase in aggression in society.

Violence Against Viennese Doctors is Not Uncommon

Of those 37 percent who have regularly experienced violence in the past two years, 27 percent reported "repeatedly" having such experiences. Eight percent are "frequently" and two percent "almost daily" confronted with violence in their profession.

Hospital doctors in particular report experiences of violence (60 percent), but incidents also occur regularly in practices (30 percent). Those under 40, employed doctors, and those working in the Viennese health network are more affected by violence, Hajek explained. More than half of the survey participants already suffer from psychological insecurity (55 percent). 68 percent would like additional measures against violence at the workplace.

Steinhart Wants More Health Insurance Positions

Steinhart, both President of the Austrian Medical Chamber and the Chamber for Doctors in Vienna, reported "with great concern" about the results. Together with his Viennese Vice Presidents Naghme Kamaleyan-Schmied and Natalja Haninger-Vacariu, he called for at least 1,000 additional health insurance positions nationwide to shorten waiting times - also in hospitals, to reduce the duration until an operation. Politics must develop measures that ensure violence-free work and health facilities need special protection by the executive, it was further stated.

Hospital operators also need to sharpen awareness of violence in the profession and not trivialize assaults, but carefully record and evaluate each case. They should also offer de-escalation seminars to provide doctors with tools for conflict resolution. "Aggression and violence must have no place in our practices and hospitals," the three members of the Viennese Medical Chamber Presidency agreed.

(APA/Red)

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