Brian Jeffrey
Here, VietNamNet shares insights from Dr. Ngo Hai Son, a medical expert from the Maxillofacial Surgery and Plastic Surgery Department at Viet Duc Friendship Hospital in Hanoi. He discusses the alarming instances of doctors facing aggression from patients’ families during critical situations.
With 15 years of experience in an emergency department, I have faced countless situations where time is of the essence. It’s incredible how often medical professionals forego meals, rest, or special family moments to assist those in dire need.
During my internship at Bach Mai Hospital in Hanoi, a particular incident left me shaken when an enraged associate of a patient menaced me with a lengthy sword, threatening me to “save him or face the consequences”.
This striking moment remains etched in my memory, especially as I found myself alone in the surgical area while my colleagues were occupied in the operating room.
After years in this field and witnessing similar events, I’ve gained insights into human behavior. In moments of despair, individuals often react like cornered animals, willing to lash out. Fear, unfortunately, can transform regular people into aggressive individuals.
No matter if one is an esteemed professor or a factory worker, the instinct to find a scapegoat when a loved one is critically ill is universal. We, in our white coats, are often targeted as the nearest option.
Despite this aggression, our duty to care persists. Hippocrates didn’t equip us with guidelines on “performing surgery while under attack” in his renowned oath.
The harsh truth is that physicians often feel trapped. Declining to treat a patient because of violence from their family isn’t an option. Walking away could compromise our moral stance and even result in legal repercussions for neglecting someone in peril.
Veteran colleagues have questioned why I haven’t considered leaving the profession for something else. However, nothing can rival the profound impact of saving a life.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that over 75% of healthcare workers worldwide have encountered violence. This issue is not exclusive to Vietnam but is indeed a global concern. In China, numerous assaults on medical professionals have been reported, while hospitals in the US now prioritize security and offer training on conflict resolution.
At Viet Duc Friendship Hospital, a group of gang members once surrounded an emergency surgical room, intimidating staff until police arrived to restore order.
I have many career options ahead of me, but regardless of the challenges, my passion for medicine remains unwavering. Once you’re engrossed in the operating room, surrounded by patients’ pleas and high-pressure nights, transitioning to another path seems impossible. Doctors serve as the link between life and death—not heroes, merely professionals committed to our responsibilities.
I do not see myself as a hero. My focus is on executing my responsibilities effectively, as do my colleagues at Thanh Ba.
When individuals lash out, they are not targeting doctors; they are projecting their own fears. This understanding provides me with comfort and explains my resolve to continue. I aspire to a future with improved working conditions while holding steadfast to medical ethics, which prioritize care over retribution or neglect.
To address this troubling situation, four measures are suggested.
First, appoint staff dedicated to communicating with families. Physicians cannot manage life-threatening situations while also explaining emergency protocols to relatives. Many conflicts arise from miscommunication or lack of clarity. Families deserve timely updates regarding their loved ones’ conditions and treatment options. A designated communicator can alleviate some of the burden on medical teams during crises.
Second, implement psychological support. Hospitals should have access to psychologists available for families during emergencies and to assist healthcare workers after acts of violence to mitigate trauma.
Third, bolster security measures and legal protections. Enhanced safety protocols are vital, and strict penalties should be imposed for violent incidents against medical personnel. Many countries have enacted laws to safeguard healthcare professionals, a model that Vietnam should explore.
Lastly, provide crisis management training for medical staff. Being trained to recognize signs of stress and employing de-escalation techniques can help diffuse potential violence.
