Lack of Adequate Measures for Doctors and Nurses in German Hospitals, Study Finds
The largest German doctors’ association, the Marburger Bund, has conducted a survey of nearly 10,000 doctors and found that many hospitals in Germany are lacking in protective measures for their medical staff. The association reported that half of the surveyed members confirmed the existence of such measures, while the other half denied it, indicating a significant need for improvement in many clinics.
These measures include, for instance, the presence of security personnel at clinics, specific training, or de-escalation training.
In light of the increasing violence against doctors and nurses, parts of the political spectrum have also criticized the lack of safety concepts in hospitals. “Some clinics have already taken a lot of measures to protect their staff. However, many clinics have not taken adequate precautions and lack either no or only inadequate protection concepts”said Janosch Dahmen, the health spokesperson for the Green party.
The failure of the coalition government and the upcoming February elections may further delay planned measures to address the trend of violence. “The reform of the emergency care system, for example, would have significantly strengthened the preventive protection of staff and patients. I consider the refusal of the FDP and CDU to pass the law, despite being in principle in agreement, as a dangerous electoral tactic”Dahmen said.