Self-Defense in Healthcare, Part 6: Questions Bouncing Around in My Head
Bringing this newsletter series on self-defense in healthcare to a close, I have arguments and questions bouncing around in my head...
Why is there fear to have a written policy that caregivers are allowed to use self-defense?
Fear of vigilantism.
Fear of the presence of weapons in the hospital, including concealed carry weapons.
Fear of promoting violence.
Fear of sending the wrong message to employees, and possibly to the public.
Fear of acknowledging that in rare instances, violence may be the only answer to the situation.
What about defending yourself against patients/people who do not have the "capacity" to know what they are doing is wrong?
From talking with a deputy district attorney, proving "guilty except for insanity" is very difficult and is rarely successful.
Most caregivers, in my opinion, know when a person is not in their right mind, and can explain the violent behavior. And quite frequently, caregivers do not report the assault and excuse the incident.
This article has some helpful information to consider when address violent behavior from people with Alzheimer's.
Does it seem society is leaning more towards promoting reasons why we should be excusing violent behavior, even to weaponize "trauma-informed care"?
Are we, thinking we are being kind and reasonable, allowing for, and even promoting, violent behavior from patients and visitors? Even when we know they have the capacity to know what they are doing can/will hurt someone?
Even if someone doesn't have the capacity to know what they are doing is wrong, do their rights override mine? Do I have to just take the physical violence/battery? Can I defend myself if I need to?
How much do organizations value justice?
How many organizations have wrap-around violence prevention programs? From in-depth, realistic training, to ongoing refreshers, to dedicated violence prevention program manager positions, to post-incident care - including actively supporting employees who seek justice by reporting the crime?
Justice, as an embodied core value, would involve taking the needed time to complete a thorough investigation, seeking out experts, analyzing the behaviors of all parties (patient/visitor, caregiver, organization) and coming to a fair conclusion.
Do healthcare employers even include their employees in their mission, vision, and core values?
What's the point?
The point is to do the right thing by your employees and the organization as a whole.