As healthcare becomes increasingly complex, hospital security has become the frontline defense in maintaining a safe care environment for patients and healthcare workers alike. Yet, it remains a growing challenge; theft, infant abductions, and workplace violence in healthcare are real and increasingly common threats. Read on to learn how hospitals are navigating these complex challenges to protect their patients and personnel.
Workplace violence in healthcare isn’t just prevalent—it has reached epidemic proportions. Alarmingly, healthcare professionals are five times more likely to experience violence compared to other industries.
The situation is dire: a staggering 82% of nurses have experienced at least one type of workplace violence, and up to half of all assaults against nurses are never fully documented.
Beyond the human toll, the financial impact of workplace violence is substantial, with violence-related absences costing hospitals over $53 million per year.
Given these realities, healthcare facilities must move beyond reactive security measures and adopt a proactive approach to preventing workplace violence in healthcare. This means identifying risks before they escalate, fostering a culture of safety, and leveraging technology to prevent acts of violence. By implementing comprehensive security strategies, healthcare organizations can protect both their staff and patients, ensuring a safe and supportive care environment.
Hospital security is a complex issue due to the unique environment in which healthcare professionals work. Unlike other industries, many hospitals remain open 24/7 and welcome a diverse mix of patients, visitors, and staff, which makes security in hospitals especially challenging.
Each department within a hospital presents different security concerns, as outlined below:
To develop an effective security plan, hospitals must first conduct a thorough risk assessment. This involves analyzing past security incidents, identifying high-risk areas, and assessing existing security measures. Security teams should work closely with hospital leadership and frontline workers to gain insight into daily vulnerabilities. By understanding these unique risks, hospitals can tailor their security approach to effectively address the specific threats they face.
A robust security strategy requires careful planning and continuous oversight. Hospitals should begin by developing a comprehensive security plan that outlines policies and procedures for handling different types of threats. This plan should be regularly reviewed and updated to adapt to emerging security challenges.
Additionally, hospitals should establish Workplace Violence Prevention Committees composed of hospital administrators, security personnel, and frontline healthcare workers. These committees play a critical role in monitoring security concerns, evaluating safety policies, and ensuring that employees have a direct channel to voice their security concerns without fear of retaliation.
Leadership involvement is essential in fostering a culture of security. When hospital executives and department heads prioritize safety, it sets a standard for the entire organization. Security measures should be integrated into broader hospital operations, ensuring that security policies align with patient care workflows and do not create unnecessary barriers to care. This includes implementing visitor management systems, enforcing access control protocols, and regularly assessing security vulnerabilities in both patient and administrative areas.
The integration of technology has significantly improved hospital security.
By leveraging these advanced security technologies, hospitals can significantly reduce the likelihood of security breaches and enhance overall safety.
Even with the best security technology in place, hospital safety ultimately depends on the preparedness of its staff. Regular training is essential to equip healthcare workers with the skills needed to recognize and de-escalate tense situations.
Training programs should include courses on situational awareness, conflict resolution, and emergency response protocols. Nurses and other frontline staff should be trained to identify early warning signs of aggressive behavior, allowing them to intervene before an incident escalates.
Hospitals should also conduct annual security drills to ensure that all employees know how to respond to emergencies, whether it be an active shooter situation, an attempted abduction, or a violent patient encounter.
Additionally, training staff on using incident reporting helps create a culture where security concerns are addressed proactively rather than ignored. Staff should feel comfortable reporting security incidents, knowing that their concerns will be taken seriously and that they will not face retaliation for doing so.
Allowing for anonymous incident reporting is also beneficial with over 70% of employees being more likely to submit reports when their anonymity is protected.
Hospitals must take a multi-layered approach to physical security, combining deterrents with active monitoring. Well-lit parking areas and designated staff escort services can significantly reduce security risks for employees leaving late-night shifts.
For example, MHC Healthcare utilized incident reporting software to pinpoint locations requiring additional resources like extra security or further staff training. The data revealed significant healthcare worker safety concerns in the parking lots of two facilities after businesses hours. After hiring additional security guards to patrol the lots, the healthcare staff felt considerable safer.
Controlling access to hospital premises is also crucial. Many hospitals now limit entry points after certain hours, funneling all late-night traffic through a single secure entrance with security personnel stationed at the doors. Inside the hospital, clear signage outlining security policies, such as a zero-tolerance policy for workplace violence, reinforces the importance of maintaining a safe environment.
Hospitals that develop strong partnerships with local law enforcement agencies enhance their ability to respond to security threats effectively. Establishing joint training programs ensures that both hospital security teams and police officers are prepared to handle violent situations within a medical setting.
Some hospitals have gone a step further by arranging routine law enforcement patrols in and around their facilities, particularly in high-crime areas. These partnerships also improve communication between hospitals and law enforcement during emergencies, allowing for faster response times and coordinated crisis management efforts.
Hospital security is not a static process—it requires continuous evaluation and adaptation. Facilities should regularly analyze incident reports to identify patterns and areas for improvement. Encouraging anonymous reporting ensures that staff feel comfortable sharing security concerns without fear of retaliation. Security committees should meet on a quarterly basis to assess the effectiveness of current measures and implement necessary updates.
After MHC Healthcare implemented an incident reporting system, MHC’s staff felt much more empowered from their ability to report incidents regarding security and challenging patient interactions. As a result, a culture of psychological safety was fostered, and as a result, staff felt more confident in their approach to care, with staff members even proposing ideas on additional ways to leverage the incident reporting system.
A proactive approach to hospital security involves a combination of risk assessment, technology integration, staff training, and strategic partnerships. Hospitals must remain vigilant in their efforts to prevent workplace violence, enhance physical security, and foster a culture of safety. By continuously evaluating and improving security measures, healthcare organizations can create a safer, more secure environment for both staff and patients.