How to Improve Patient Safety in Hospitals

Security departments at healthcare facilities looking into how to improve patient safety and staff safety are currently facing a variety of challenges. According to federal government reports, healthcare workers face workplace violence at a rate five times higher than employees in other industries and represent 73% of all nonfatal injuries and illnesses related to workplace violence.

Additionally, a 2024 nationwide survey conducted by National Nurses United found that in 2023, 81.6% of nurses have experienced at least one type of workplace violence incident, and nearly half have seen a rise in rates of violence.

With these troubling statistics in mind, security departments at hospitals should implement a multi-pronged strategy to ensure a safe environment for healthcare providers and patients. In this article, we'll review both key measures that security departments can implement from a preventative standpoint and the benefits of a weapons detection system for quickly and accurately screening individuals in high-throughput facilities.

How to Improve Patient Safety: Use Preventative Measures

In an ideal scenario, no weapons would ever be brought into a healthcare facility because a variety of preventative measures would help the security team identify and swiftly address legitimate risks outside the premises.

One example of an effective preventative measure security teams can implement includes cameras (including LPR cameras) positioned in the parking lot. In addition to expediting the identification of a suspect vehicle and assisting law enforcement with investigative follow-up, the cameras can serve as a visual deterrent for potential offenders. Research shows that implementing cameras in parking lots resulted in a 51 percent decrease in crimes committed in parking lots.

Other key preventative measures to focus on outside your hospital should include clear communication with visitors regarding hospital policies. This includes clear signage as well as audio recordings communicating that weapons are prohibited on the premises and abusive behavior will not be tolerated. Signs can also reinforce legal consequences, reminding patients and visitors that assaulting a healthcare worker is classified as a felony. All this messaging, in conjunction, can effectively deter people exhibiting violent behavior and/or carrying weapons from entering your facility.

Additionally, security teams should invest in two-way radio communication devices so they can easily communicate with one another regarding suspicious individuals or activity, as well as automatic door lock mechanisms and/or panic buttons to preventatively keep dangerous individuals and weapons off the premises.

Weapons Detection System: A Crucial Component in Your Security Strategy

Ultimately, security teams looking into how to improve patient safety should leverage all of the preventative measures listed above in conjunction with a weapons detection system to fully optimize for public safety.

SafePointe, an AI-based weapons detection system, is well-suited to address the unique challenges in hospital environments. Let's take a closer look at some of these specific challenges and how SafePointe can solve them and play a critical role in improving patient safety.

Addressing Patient Safety: The Importance of a Multi-Pronged Approach

Addressing how to improve patient safety in a hospital setting is a critically important task requiring a multi-pronged approach. By implementing this list of preventative measures with a weapons detection system like SafePointe, you'll be well on your way to establishing a cohesive security policy that effectively addresses safety concerns for your healthcare facility.

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