Roundtable: LaSheria Nance-Bush

Session Submission Type: Roundtable Sessions

Abstract/Description

Abstract: Criminological Analysis of Workplace Violence in Healthcare Settings

This study examines the prevalence and characteristics of workplace violence (WPV) incidents in healthcare settings through a criminological lens, with a focus on identifying systemic and behavioral patterns that contribute to violent encounters. The research investigates the following questions: What are the predominant types of WPV affecting healthcare staff? What organizational or environmental conditions elevate risk? Moreover, how can criminological theory inform prevention strategies? Employing a mixed-methods design, the study integrates quantitative analysis of incident reports from U.S. hospitals between 2019 and 2024 with qualitative case studies of violent events, focusing on Type II and Type III violence (patient-on-worker and worker-on-worker). Grounded in routine activities and strain theories, the analysis reveals that insufficient staffing, long wait times, and inadequate security are significant risk factors. Findings suggest that emotional strain among patients and caregivers and organizational stressors among staff contribute to escalation. The study concludes that effective prevention requires both environmental design and institutional policy reform. It calls for multidisciplinary approaches, including threat assessment teams, staff de-escalation training, and trauma-informed care policies. These insights offer evidence-based recommendations to reduce WPV and enhance safety in healthcare environments.

Sub Unit

• Area XIV. Roundtables

Individual Presentations

• Criminological Analysis of Workplace Violence in Healthcare Settings - LaSheria Bush, Houston Methodist Hospital

Chair

• LaSheria Bush, Houston Methodist Hospital

Co-Author

• Declan Onwudiwe, Texas Southern University

Discussant

• Gloria Okere, Texas Southern University