Action We Are Taking
From a comprehensive eLearning course and facilitator-led training to customized physician courses and microlearnings for all health workers, SWITCH BC is taking action and delivering modernized violence prevention training and resources. The program includes:
Complete
- Provincial Violence Prevention Curriculum (PVPC) eLearning
- PVPC eLearning for Physicians
- Microlearnings and de-escalation tools
In development
- Facilitator-led training
- Facilitator-led training for physicians
- Violence prevention training for BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS)
PVPC eLearning
The Provincial Violence Prevention Curriculum (PVPC) eLearning course was launched provincewide on February 2, 2026. After years of planning, collaboration, and piloting, the updated 3.5-hour course includes real workplace scenarios, Indigenous Cultural Safety (ICS), Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), and Trauma-Informed Practice (TIP) principles. In the 10 years since the previous eLearning course was updated, the health sector has seen many changes, including more frequent acts of violence, from verbal abuse and threats to physical assault.
PVPC eLearning for Physicians
In September, physicians began using the updated and accredited PVPC eLearning course. The physician-specific course is 1.5-hours long and focuses on real workplace situations where physicians may face escalating behaviours, as well as verbal and physical violence.
Physicians, medical staff, and residents can take the course on LearningHub and Brightspace.
By the end of March, 480 physicians had enrolled and 338 had completed the course. We received 100 evaluations and an 85% satisfaction rating. Participants said they learned new de-escalation strategies and found the content useful and relevant.
Pilot
We partnered with Island Health to pilot the eLearning course before it was released provincewide. The pilot ran from October 2025 to January 2026. A total of 1,384 Island Health staff registered for the course and 809 completed it. We received 634 evaluations confirming the course had an overall satisfaction rating of 89%. Participation included union members and excluded staff.
At the same time, the violence prevention team partnered with health authorities to replace the course on their learning platforms. During the transition, 5,200 active learners, at various stages in the eLearning program, were able to complete the course without interruption.
Launch
health workers have registered for the updated PVPC eLearning course.
of registered particpants have completed it.
evaluations submitted.
overall satisfaction rating given by learners.
Microlearnings
While the eLearning course is available through health authorities, we’ve also provided microlearnings on our website that focus on violence prevention reminders and key takeaways. Health workers can watch short workplace scenarios designed to improve knowledge and awareness. They can also read or download violence-prevention posters to promote and advance a culture of health and safety at work.
De-escalation Tools
We’ve adapted de-escalation tools initially designed for Medical Office Staff from the Community Physician Health and Safety (CPHS) program at our Board’s suggestion. This was done with permission from funders of CPHS: The Doctors of BC and the Ministry of Health. The tools include videos, scripts, and posters that have been modified for a broader health worker audience.
What's next?
We formed a Development Panel with representatives from bargaining associations and employers to update facilitator-led training.
We are also updating violence prevention training for physicians. This work is supported by the Physician Health and Safety Advisory Group (PHSAG), Doctors of BC, the Ministry of Health, and physician members.
We’re working with BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS), employers, and supporting unions. Together, we are updating violence prevention training for emergency call takers, dispatchers, and paramedics.
This ongoing work shows our shared commitment to action. Partners helped create a modern training curriculum that is practical and supports safer healthcare workplaces across the province.