Conclusion:
This study finds that high levels of physician verbal abuse are closely associated with more negative work environments; causality is important in fully understanding and assessing the issue. The researchers note methods aimed at preventing verbal abuse must be part of a holistic approach to improving the work environment.
About the Study:
This study used the fourth wave of a national panel survey that began in 2006 of NLRNs licensed between August 1, 2004 and July 31, 2005. In the fourth wave, researchers surveyed 1,328 NLRNs, who responded to a shortened six-item version of the Verbal Abuse Scale, reporting the frequency of verbal abuse by physicians in the previous three months.