Escalating Aggression in Waiting Rooms: Rise in Physicians Facing Violence

In Baden-Württemberg, a concerning trend has emerged regarding the safety of medical personnel. A nationwide study by the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (KBV) from last summer revealed that 80% of doctors, psychotherapists, and practice staff had experienced verbal violence in their practice the previous year.

The increase in reported incidents is significant. The number of registered offenses against medical personnel in doctor's offices, hospitals, and similar facilities in Baden-Württemberg has risen from 420 to 447 cases in recent years. Within this category, bodily injuries make up a large proportion, with intentional simple bodily injuries being the most common.

The AfD's interior policy spokesman, Daniel Lindenschmid, believes that alarm buttons are not enough for medical personnel to report incidents in a low-threshold manner. He suggests that a more accessible reporting system is necessary.

The State Medical Association of Baden-Württemberg reports an increase in sexualized and digital violence against healthcare workers. In 2024, the majority of incidents in waiting rooms and treatment rooms involved physical offenses and offenses against personal freedom (367 cases). Almost half (43%) of the respondents had experienced physical violence, including being kicked, pushed, or spat at, and some had been seriously attacked.

Particularly nurses and emergency room teams report growing aggression, often triggered by feelings of being overwhelmed, alcohol consumption, or long wait times. Verbal violence tends to increase in larger facilities, while physical violence increases in smaller practices or clinics.

Violence often occurs in emergency rooms due to waiting times, language barriers, addiction, or psychological stress, or even conflicts among visitors. The police registered 14 knife attacks, but many were classified as threats. Dozens of threats were recorded in 2024.

The increase is mainly due to the new category of sexual harassment (26 cases) introduced in 2024. The Ministry of the Interior does not consider a central reporting system for insults and harassment in the healthcare sector necessary.

In response to these rising incidents, various organisations are taking action. The joint project DeBUG 2.0, run by welfare associations including the German Caritas Association, Diakonie Germany, the German Red Cross, AWO Federal Association, and the Paritätischer Gesamtverband, plans to establish an anonymous reporting office for experiences with violence on their internet platform.

Moreover, the State Medical Association plans to offer an anonymous reporting office on its internet platform for incidents of violence. The organisation aims to support medical personnel in reporting incidents and improving their safety.

Sadly, many doctors and their staff report that their job is no longer bringing them joy due to the increasing violence. It is becoming more difficult to retain or attract good personnel due to the violence. The rising incidents of verbal abuse, threats, and physical assault in waiting rooms and during medical consultations are on the rise in Stuttgart, and efforts are needed to address this issue and ensure the safety of our healthcare workers.