The following are template social media posts for members to use on Facebook and Twitter. When appropriate, tag state lawmakers and make sure you follow @EmergencyDocs on Twitter and share our posts about ED Violence.
Impacts of COVID-19
Facebook: Emergency department violence is on the rise. In a recent poll, emergency physicians indicate that COVID-19 has had a chilling effect on the levels of trust between patients and the care team and has heightened ED violence. View the full survey at: www.emergencyphysicians.org/edviolence2022poll
Twitter: In a recent poll, emergency physicians report violence in the ED has rapidly increased over the past five years. If left unchecked, @emergencydocs fear violence will continue to rise. View the full survey at: www.emergencyphysicians.org/edviolence2022poll
Lack of Protections
Facebook: Despite rising violence in emergency departments across the country, arrests and charges have fallen by 5% since 2018. We need to work at all levels to support and protect emergency care teams and enforce appropriate punishments to deter future attacks and reduce the rate of violence. www.emergencyphysicians.org/edviolence2022poll
Twitter: According to a new poll, @EmergencyDocs cite declining trust and the lack of consequences as leading factors contributing to ED violence. We are speaking out on behalf of our colleagues, staff and patients to ensure a safer health care environment. www.emergencyphysicians.org/edviolence2022poll
Impacts on Patient Care
Facebook: There’s no question that assaults in the emergency department harm patient care. The threat of violence can lead to a loss of productivity, decreased focus from ED staff, and longer wait times for patients. In the event of an emergency, patients deserve the undivided attention of their care team. www.emergencyphysicians.org/edviolence2022poll
Twitter: Violence from patients in the emergency department is not only dangerous, it also can increase wait times and result in patients leaving without being treated by a physician. www.emergencyphysicians.org/edviolence2022poll
Increased Burnout in Health Care Workers
Facebook: The spike in workplace violence has exacerbated burnout and been a primary driver for some to leave emergency medicine altogether. Physicians and their care teams deserve a support system that prevents these incidents and protects them when they occur. Learn more about ACEP’s advocacy efforts to protect health care workers, www.emergencyphysicians.org/edviolence2022poll
Twitter: A recent poll from @EmergencyDocs underscores what emergency care teams have been trying to tell us: the levels of violence in our emergency departments are untenable. We must take proactive measures to put safeguards in place. www.emergencyphysicians.org/edviolence2022poll
Infographics to Help Make Your Case
We've created shareable graphics with data points about rising violence in the emergency department for social media. View the graphics below and download here.
Impacts of COVID-19
Lack of Protections
Impacts on Patient Care
Increased Burnout in Health Care Workers
