DIGI-RISK: Workplace Violence in Digital Healthcare: Understanding C hallenges and Developing Guidelines

Research Project, 2025 – 2028

Research Problem and Specific Questions
Digital workplace violence in video consultations and chat services, for example, represents growing challenges that affect healthcare staff's mental health and professional performance. This project addresses these risks by exploring their prevalence, underlying causes, and potential mitigation strategies. The project explores the following questions:
1. How do digital healthcare services influence the work environment of healthcare professionals, particularly
concerning workplace violence?
2. What differences in the prevalence of workplace violence exist between healthcare contexts and professions?
3. What factors contribute to the emergence of workplace violence in digital care environments, and how can these risks be mitigated?
4. How can evidence-based recommendations be designed to enhance workplace safety in digital healthcare?

Data and Method
DIGI-RISK employs an exploratory sequential design that combines qualitative and quantitative methods. In-depth interviews with healthcare staff and managers identify risk factors and themes. These findings inform a national survey mapping the prevalence and patterns of threats. A literature study identifies strategies from
existing workplace violence research and guidelines, combined with empirical findings, to develop and validate practical safety guidelines.
The project’s theoretical framework enables a multifaceted analysis of technological, organisational, and interpersonal factors.

Societal Relevance and Utilisation
DIGI-RISK addresses a major societal challenge by improving safety for healthcare professionals in digital environments. This will contribute to better quality of care and workplace security. Insights from this project will also inform other sectors undergoing digital transformation.