An epidemic of violence on medical personnel: are we prepared

The incidence of violence against doctors has been increasing, both in China and worldwide. Very often we hear doctors being molested, thrashed and abused by lay public for a trivial medical malpractice or even no fault of theirs. The once glittering halo of medical workers is being shredded thanks to the stressed health system and a lack of evaluation for risk of violence of the patients. Modern China sees a wide disparity between industry standards in rural and urban areas. People seeking health care service are often scared, can't get timely service and turn their anger towards those around them. To change a whole system in this giant nation is too hard a rock. Therefore, our focus is on the prompt awareness and preparation of a possible patient violence. The simplest approaches seem to be the most effective. Medical staffs should re-learn empathy on patients and be better trained on recognizing and reducing conflicts.