Conflict and violence prevention tools for medical office staff (MOS) are now available on the Community Physician Health and Safety (CPHS) portal, including:

• Printable posters and learning resources
• In person and on the phone examples of escalating situations and follow up procedures
• The HEARD+D technique and reference sheets

These tools were designed to support medical office staff with strategies and skills to help reduce workplace stress, conflict, and potential violence with the aim to create a culture of health and safety among healthcare teams.

“Medical office staff are often on the frontline of patient care and interactions. When those interactions escalate, knowing how to defuse potential conflicts supports patients and their families, and keeps dedicated and hardworking MOS from potential harm,” says Victoria Schmid, CEO of SWITCH BC. “This expansion of the CPHS program directly supports staff in community clinics with concrete tools and resources and extends the vital and successful partnership between SWITCH BC, Doctors of BC, and the Ministry of Health.”

Community physicians are required by WorkSafeBC to support the health and safety of their staff. The CPHS program is making it more accessible for community physicians to follow necessary regulations and legislation that apply to their clinics. The CPHS program includes a web portal to build a health and safety program, free clinic assessments, and a comprehensive health and safety guide. Learn more in the news release.

The Community Physician Health and Safety program is an initiative funded by Doctors of BC and the Ministry of Health, through the Physician Master Agreement, with input from physicians and MOS.