One in Three Faces Violence: BRAVE-WOW aims to build Safer, Healthier and Inclusive Healthcare Workplaces Across Europe

On World Mental Health Day, October 10th, WHO Regional Office for Europe presented the results of the Mental Health of Nurses and Doctors (MeND) survey (1). The survey was conducted in 27 EU countries, Iceland and Norway, with the aim to explore mental health, well-being and working conditions of nurses and doctors.

Amongst other implications, findings also indicated high prevalence of unsafe working conditions, including violence against healthcare workers, consistent across all studied countries. One in three doctors and nurses were exposed to bullying or violent threats at work during the past year. Moreover, 10% of 112 048 participants reported that they were exposed to physical violence and sexual harassment. Based on the findings, a series of policy actions was proposed, with the first action establishing the enforcement a zero-tolerance approach to bullying, harassment and other forms of workplace violence.

Exposure to harmful working conditions presents a major risk factor for mental health, which can negatively impact the delivery of healthcare services. Workers exposed to violence, harassment and bullying, reported up to double the prevalence of mental health difficulties. Policy actions need to be implemented to prevent mental ill health, promote mental well-being and establish enabling environments necessary to reverse the mental health crisis throughout the healthcare systems.

Presented results are very relevant for the BRAVE-WOW project, as they can further attest to the relevance of project activities in the initiative to promote mental health and well-being of healthcare workers. By understanding the fundamental reasons for gender-based violence and practical insights derived from project activities, BRAVE-WOW will drive meaningful change, which will help protect the mental health of healthcare workers. Project results will provide the basis for a communication campaign, focused on awareness-raising and prevention, which will also include capacity building for relevant healthcare personnel. They will also drive policy change and aid the revision of existing policies and help shape new protocols.

Protecting the mental health of healthcare workers is essential for the future of healthcare in Europe. By building respectful and violence-free gender-inclusive environments in the world of work, BRAVE-WOW is an important stakeholder in the fight to support mental health of healthcare workers.

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