Shihning Chou

Discussion This scoping review investigated the extent, characteristics, and impact of violence and abuse, and the practices relating to violence and abuse prevention and support at individual and organisational levels. The search identified 50 relevant studies conducted worldwide. Violence and abuse is widespread, with past-year rates between 13.8% and 90.3% and lifetime rates from 18.3% to 91.0%.

Abstract Background General practice is the gatekeeper to secondary care in many countries. This unique role may expose general practice staff to violence and abuse by patients and the public, yet violence and abuse in secondary care receives more attention than that in general practice. Existing reviews on primary care do not distinguish the perpetrators of violence. A scoping review on violence and abuse by patients and the public towards general practice staff was conducted.