According to the report, healthcare facilities should educate their nursing staff to identify lateral violence and adopt measures to eliminate it. The first step toward eliminating behavior involves training nurses to identify the most common forms of lateral violence and educating them on methods to handle inappropriate behaviors.
Leaders should also demonstrate a “zero tolerance” policy toward lateral violence, establishing clear and concise behavioral expectations and consequences for unprofessional behavior. One ambulatory surgery center reported that establishing a code of conduct, open communication and quick resolution of issues resulted in higher patient satisfaction, a more pleasant atmosphere and reduced staff turnover.
Read the abstract on the study published in the May 2011 issue of the AORN Journal.
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