Andreas Gassen, head of the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians, has raised alarm over a significant increase in both verbal aggression and physical violence within healthcare settings, affecting emergency rooms and outpatient clinics alike.

He shared a troubling personal experience where a patient aggressively damaged property, underscoring the severity of the situation.

Gassen noted that aggressive behavior is not confined to any specific demographic, as it often arises from personal pressures faced by patients.

In response to the rising violence, the state government has called for collective action to foster a culture of support and cooperation for those in caregiving roles.

Justice Minister Marco Buschmann is contemplating amendments to criminal law aimed at enhancing protections for emergency responders, a move Gassen argues should also extend to medical practices.

Recent statistics reveal that in 2023, nursing staff comprised 80% of assault victims in healthcare settings, with a significant portion of incidents occurring in emergency departments.

A survey from the German Hospital Institute indicated that 20% of healthcare staff reported a notable increase in assaults over the past five years, while 53% observed a moderate rise.

Gassen has called for stricter penalties for violent behavior in medical environments, emphasizing the necessity for a clearer legal framework to deter such actions.

He attributed the rise in aggression to a small but growing group of patients who exhibit poor behavior and a distorted sense of urgency regarding their medical needs.

In Berlin, violent incidents in healthcare settings surged by 51% in 2023, following a notable assault on medical staff, highlighting the urgent need for reform.

Medical assistants are particularly vulnerable to aggressive behavior, which Gassen described as a concerning trend not only in Germany but across various nations.