Insurance investigators experience of clients threats and violence - A qualitative study with the Swedish Social Insurance Agency's investigators in two medium-sized municipalities

Abstract

Threats and violence have increased within human treatment organizations the last couple of years. It is difficult to determine whether this is an actual increase or whether the violence is due to an increased propensity to report or a broader definition of the term threat and violence. Threats and violence can lead to several negative consequences, such as reduced job satisfaction or mental illness.    The purpose of this study is to gain an understanding of insurance investigators experience of their work situation, where there is a risk of being exposed to threats and violence by clients, and what support the Swedish Social Insurance Agency as an organization can offer its employees. Moreover, the investigation has shown how the sense of context affects insurance investigators in their work. The purpose of this study is to contribute with new knowledge on how insurance investigators in the Swedish Social Insurance Agency can be affected by threats and violence at work. This study has implemented through semi-structured qualitative interviews with seven social workers from two different municipalities.    The results of the study shows that insurance investigators are not worried on their workplace regarding the risk of being exposed to threats and violence. This is because insurance investigators know that there is good support within the organization with clear routines. Furthermore, we have come to the conclusion that a consequence that some of our informants have suffered is that they have had shorter periods that have been difficult after a threat or violent incident