Introduction
The objectives of this study were to measure the prevalence of physical aggression against health care provider, presenting to the Forensic unit of the Toulouse University Hospital, to identify the main characteristics of the victim and perpetrator, to evaluate the medical and medico-legal consequences of aggressions.
Methods
Epidemiological, descriptive and retrospective study was conducted in consultation at the Forensic Unit of the Toulouse-Rangueil University Hospital, over a period from January 2004 to July 2012 inclusive.
Results
We studied 2439 certificates of workplace aggression and have identified about 66 health workers, claiming to be victims of aggression in the exercise of their duties (2.7 %). The most at risk of aggression professions are nursing, followed by nursing auxiliary and doctors. Seventy-five percent of health professionals have practiced in hospital or are employees of a structure care, while 21 % work in private practice. The forensic pathologist examined the victim at the request of the judicial authority in 60.6 % of cases. A total incapacity (ITT) with the penal direction was determined at each consultation and evaluated an average of one day.
Discussion
Results of our study confirmed several literature data on the occupational characteristics of victims and perpetrators profile. Furthermore, we explored for the first time legal procedures under the criminal law and total incapacities for work. Thus, simply writing a certificate of wounding with intent seems to us totally insufficient. A comprehensive care, with regular monitoring would be required in a specialized unit combining occupational physicians and specialists in victimology.