Together against violence: New de-escalation training for health professionals

Together against violence: New de-escalation training for health professionals

In Germany, and especially in North Rhine-Westphalia, the issue of violence against healthcare workers is becoming increasingly pressing. Last year alone, 73% of hospitals reported an increase in assaults. This was also shown by the survey by the German Hospital Association, which is becoming increasingly important in the current discussion about the protection of medical staff. Countermeasures are now being taken: a newly developed de-escalation training is intended not only to provide training, but also to raise awareness of how to ensure safety in the healthcare environment. The medical associations in North Rhine-Westphalia, together with the Leverkusen Clinic and the Recklinghausen Police, have launched such a project as aekno.de reported.

De-escalation training is now being implemented in Düsseldorf and Münster. The target group is employees in hospitals, doctor's offices and other healthcare facilities. Health Minister Karl-Josef Laumann emphasizes the need to combat aggressive behavior in the healthcare system. Interior Minister Herbert Reul emphasizes how important this training is for the safety of employees. Dr. Sven Dreyer, President of the North Rhine Medical Association, makes it clear: Violence in the healthcare system must not become the norm. Also Dr. Hans Albert Gehle, President of the Westphalia-Lippe Medical Association, calls for better protection and the consistent prosecution of acts of violence.

Training for more safety

The training concept is based on de-escalation training for the public service that was introduced in 2023. The first training for the healthcare sector recently took place at the “ä25” medical congress in Bonn. During the training, realistic situations are simulated in order to prepare the specialists for emergencies. Danièl Lautenschlag, a former martial artist and de-escalation trainer, leads the training and focuses on preparing employees both mentally and physically for potential attacks, an approach that is becoming increasingly important, according to aekb.de. wins.

A look across state borders shows that the problem is on the agenda not only in North Rhine-Westphalia, but nationwide. At the Sana Klinikum Lichtenberg, for example, there was a brutal incident on New Year's Eve 2023 in which a doctor and a nurse were attacked. Such events illustrate the great urgency of de-escalation training.

A year full of training

The DRK clinics in Berlin Westend have been offering physical de-escalation courses since September 2024. These training courses are modular and consist of three-hour units every month for a whole year. Participants should equip themselves with various action strategies in order to be able to react appropriately in stressful situations. The goal: to ensure both the physical and psychological integrity of employees.

De-escalation trainers are trained through medical association training academies. Interested institutions can obtain information and register via the websites www.akademie-nordrhein.de and www.akademie-wl.de. The plus: These trainings also focus on allaying employees' fears and preparing them for real scenarios.

In summary, protecting healthcare workers is a common goal for everyone involved. Implementing de-escalation training is an important step in the right direction to promote violence prevention in healthcare settings and ensure worker safety. It remains to be hoped that such measures will soon be implemented across the board and successfully.