Originally from Dispute Resolution Journal

Abuse of others, especially in institutions, has received increasing attention in recent years, largely due to the efforts of patients' rights advocates. In 1989, the results of a survey of nursing home staff were published, revealing statistics which strongly support the conclusion that patient abuse is a pervasive and recurrent problem.1 In this study, 36% of the health care staff interviewed had seen at least one incident of physical abuse in the preceding year, most often excessive physical restraint. More than two-thirds of those witnessing excessive physical restraint saw it on multiple occasions. The second most frequent type of abuse observed was pushing, grabbing, shoving or pinching a patient. A total of 81% had observed at least one incident of psychological abuse in the preceding year, most often yelling. Half of the respondents had observed a staff member insult or swear at a patient. Forty percent admitted to committing at least one act of psychological abuse themselves, and one in 10 reported insulting or swearing at a patient. The study concluded that abuse is sufficiently extensive to merit public concern.