Violence in GP surgeries driven by waiting times and drug refusals, global study shows

Prof Kamila Hawthorne, chair of the Royal College of General Practitioners, says violence against GPs and their teams is widespread. Photograph: RCGP

Violence and abuse by patients against staff in GP clinics is widespread globally and usually triggered by long waiting times and the refusal to prescribe requested drugs, research shows.

The findings are based on a 24-country study of the threats and aggression that family doctors, receptionists and other practice staff experience at work.