Tenderness in Healthcare: Tackling Workplace Violence

July 16, 2024 Qualivis Staff

Workplace violence is a pervasive issue in healthcare settings, encompassing a range of behaviors from physical assaults to verbal threats. Understanding and addressing this problem is crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of healthcare professionals.

Todd Miller, vice president of security at SSM Health, recently led a session on this topic, offering insights into data collection, environmental design and advanced security technologies to combat workplace violence. Prior to joining SSM Health in 2015, Miller served as a special federal officer with the FBI St. Louis Division Safe Streets Task Force for four years, bringing a wealth of experience in law enforcement and security to his current role.

Following the presentation, Joe Tibbs, president of HAPevolve, led an insightful discussion featuring Miller, along with two additional distinguished panelists: Abraham Segres, VP of quality & patient safety at Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association, and Trina Trimmer, nursing director at VCU Health Systems. The panelists offered a valuable look at how their respective organizations are addressing these challenges.

Effective prevention of workplace violence hinges on accurate and comprehensive data collection. Reporting all incidents, including verbal threats, is crucial for identifying and mitigating risks. Miller emphasized that without data, it is impossible to intervene and prevent potential physical assaults.

Implementing Physical Security Measures

During the discussion, the panelists spent a significant amount of time focused on physical security measures, particularly Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED). CPTED principles involve designing environments to reduce opportunities for crime. Miller advocated for integrating CPTED in healthcare facility designs and renovations, involving clinical and security stakeholders from the outset.

Leveraging Technology for Security

Modern technology plays a crucial role in enhancing healthcare security. Some key technological interventions discussed by the panelists include:

  • Telemonitoring and Analytics: Identifying pre-indicators of violent behavior, such as clenching fists or pacing, allows for timely intervention.
  • Cameras with Analytic Capabilities: Real-time monitoring and intervention can significantly reduce the response time to incidents.
  • Sound Detection Systems: These systems detect verbal altercations and distress calls, enabling quick responses to potential threats.
  • Facial Recognition and Weapons Detection: While there are privacy and legal considerations, these technologies can help identify and mitigate risks.

Turning Information into Intelligence

Miller stressed the importance of turning information from electronic health records (EHR) and frontline staff into actionable intelligence. For instance, flagging patients with a history of violence allows for proactive measures, such as offering Nicorette gum to a previous offender and known smoker to prevent agitation, and potential escalation, over smoking restrictions.

Panel Discussion Highlights

During the panel discussion, several key points were raised:

  • Trimmer shared insights on changing the culture around reporting incidents of violence. Implementing an electronic reporting system at VCU Health Systems streamlined the process, encouraging staff to report incidents. Using the collected data to make tangible improvements demonstrated to staff that their reports were valued and acted upon. Tibbs pointed out, “A lot of [these security measures] strengthen and improve operations, but also make our staff feel more comfortable coming to work.”
  • Segres discussed the evolution of physical security in healthcare, noting the transition from unrestricted access to controlled entry points with security measures.
  • Trimmer also emphasized the importance of collaboration across departments, involving environmental services, legal and risk management teams in safety initiatives.
  • Segres emphasized the need for legislative support to implement criminal penalties against assaulting healthcare workers, highlighting how such measures can further protect staff and reinforce a culture of safety.

Action Steps

  • Promote the importance of reporting all incidents of workplace violence.
  • Advocate for the integration of CPTED principles in healthcare facility design.
  • Utilize advanced security technologies and analytics to enhance safety.

Addressing workplace violence in healthcare requires a multifaceted approach, combining cultural change, data-driven strategies, advanced technology and legislative support. Collaboration among all stakeholders is essential to create a safe environment.

  • Categorized in: Thought Leadership