For more on this issue, go to rcni.com/staff-abuse

Readers’ panel members give their views in a personal capacity only

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Fear is one of the most powerful emotions we experience – it’s challenging to change. Whether a person’s fear of COVID-19 makes them thankful to nurses, terrified of nurses (as carriers), or disbelieving (it’s less scary to believe it is a hoax), it is not always as simple as ‘educating’ people on misinformed views. COVID-19 deniers will vehemently defend their position, because to admit they are wrong and the virus is real is even scarier. Education is a start, but to me kindness and support for colleagues faced with a fearful patient is more important.

When it comes to misinformation, the internet has a lot to answer for. Almost anyone can shape the views of others with little more than a status update. Meanwhile nurses regularly have to dispel the myths put forward. There is no simple solution to this, but there should be zero tolerance on abuse. For those whose views have been shaped by falsehoods, education is the answer. Thankfully nurses are well-placed for this – we have a wealth of experience translating jargon to help those we care for.

I’m mindful that everyone has freedom of choice on vaccination. Some younger women are concerned COVID-19 vaccines might affect their fertility, while others believe outlandish conspiracy theories. But abusing nurses for their role in tackling COVID-19 is worrying. I’ve even encountered registered nurses who don’t support the vaccines. Employers need to send a strong message of support to staff by encouraging them to report verbal abuse or threats from patients, and public health campaigns countering misinformation should continue.

Resistance can sometimes be due to lack of knowledge. Beliefs are oên shaped by false information circulating on social media. It is our duty as healthcare professionals to educate: tackling misinformation about vaccination is everyone’s responsibility. Abuse from patients is never acceptable, and it’s important managers ensure staff feel protected and supported. Organisations should have systems for dealing with these incidents, at a minimum operating a zero tolerance approach.