Terminology, stereotypes and aggressive dynamics in the accident and emergency department

There is a perception that violence against staff practising in accident and emergency (A&E) departments is increasing [Fernandes, C.M.B., Bouthillette, F., Raboud, J.M., Bullock, L., Moore, C.F., Christenson, J.M., Grafstein, E., Rae, S., Ouellet, L., Gillrie, C., Way, M., 1999. Violence in the emergency department: a survey of health care workers, Canadian Medical Association Journal 11, 1-6; Jenkins, M.G., Rocke, L.G., McNicholl, B.P., Hughes, D.M., 1998. Violence and verbal abuse against staff in the A and E departments: a survey of consultants in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland, Journal of Accident and Emergency Medicine 15, 262-265; Rose, M., 1997. A survey of violence towards nursing staff in one large Irish Accident and Emergency department, Journal of Emergency Nursing 23(3), 214-219]. This paper discusses traditional stereotypes of the violent A&E client by critiquing the current literature. The paper then goes on to question whether some health care professionals themselves are contributing to a climate of fear and the development of conflict.