A Medical Protection Society (MPS) survey of nearly 900 doctors in Ireland has found that three in five doctors (60%) have experienced or witnessed verbal or physical abuse from patients or their relatives within the past 12 months, with 37% saying the incidents resulted from staff shortages and 39% saying it was due to the referral waiting list.

A total of 86% of those surveyed said they have experienced or witnessed abuse in the past 12 months saying it negatively affected their mental health, and over a quarter (26%) said an increase in abuse and intimidation from patients has made them reconsider their career in healthcare. A quarter of doctors (25%) also feel that abuse against healthcare professionals is not taken seriously by the Gardaí, according to the survey.

Dr James Thorpe, deputy medical director at MPS, said: “While long referral waiting lists and staff shortages understandably cause stress to patients and their families, healthcare professionals are doing their best under challenging circumstances. While most patients are respectful, it is troubling that so many healthcare workers face aggression and intimidation,” he said.

Experiencing and witnessing abuse can have profound effects on the mental health of healthcare professionals, which can be detrimental to both the individual and to patient care. It can also result in healthcare staff needing time off work or even contemplating leaving the healthcare profession altogether.

“Healthcare professionals – whether working in primary care, the HSE or private clinics – must feel their safety is a priority and be encouraged to report all abusive behaviour. All healthcare settings should provide an appropriate forum where those who witness or experience any kind of abuse from patients can talk about it and seek appropriate wellbeing support. Peer support networks can also help to foster a supportive environment where experiences can be shared and reflected on, and staff should be offered practical advice on de-escalation techniques.

“The Gardaí could also consider how they can support healthcare settings, for example, by encouraging reporting of abuse and better communicating to the public the consequences of abuse.

“More broadly, there is a need for research to ascertain the additional training needs for HSE staff for dealing with conflict and protecting themselves from violence.

“The Irish government, Gardaí and the HSE must take every possible step to address this issue and help raise awareness of the importance of treating all healthcare workers respectfully. Failure to act may result in the loss of many more skilled and dedicated staff at a time when the profession can least afford it.”

Healthcare professionals who participated in the MPS survey commented anonymously.