In recent years, the healthcare industry has witnessed a concerning surge in violent incidents, a trend that has only been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Such acts of violence pose significant threats to the safety and well-being of patients, staff, and visitors within healthcare facilities. 

Startling statistics from the American Hospital Administration indicate that a distressing 44% of nurses have experienced physical violence, while 68% have endured verbal abuse over the past few years. These distressing incidents have led to a significant number of healthcare workers attempting to exit the profession.

Consequently, federal agencies, such as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, are actively encouraging healthcare facilities to bolster their safety protocols and establish robust strategies for preventing workplace violence.

To effectively mitigate violence, it is crucial to take a proactive stance and focus on preventing potential incidents before they occur. Healthcare organizations can harness the power of advanced technologies to heighten vigilance and swiftly identify known threats right from the moment they arrive. 

Threat Prevention Starts At The Perimeter 

Hospitals present a complex security challenge due to multiple entry points, including main entrances and alternative access for emergency vehicles, patients with disabilities, and others. Multiple buildings and parking lots spread across a large area further add to the complexity. Therefore, it is crucial to develop a threat prevention strategy that surrounds the facility's perimeter to deter potential offenders and guarantee staff safety. 

While physical security can protect certain areas, technology solutions can provide real-time information regarding potential threats and prevent unauthorized access to facilities. By identifying potential risks and vulnerabilities at the initial entry point, healthcare organizations can substantially decrease the likelihood of violence and create a safer environment.

The Role of License Plate Recognition (LPR) Systems

On any given day, a healthcare facility might see hundreds of visitors, and chances are most of them arrive in vehicles. License plate recognition (LPR) camera systems are specifically calibrated to detect and recognize license plates. LPR systems installed at entrance and exit points serve as a virtual security checkpoint, enabling real-time monitoring — without intrusion — and identification of vehicles entering the premises.

Advanced LPR systems also enable hospital security personnel to receive real-time alerts when previously-identified vehicles of concern enter a property. This might mean flagging vehicles known to belong to banned visitors, violent former patients, or disgruntled terminated employees. The most common assailants of healthcare workers are patients, many of whom are well-known, repeat offenders. By becoming aware of these repeat offenders, hospitals can address concerns upfront, respond appropriately, and handle challenging situations before they escalate.

In the unfortunate event of an emergency incident, LPR systems provide valuable evidence in crime investigations. By recording and storing license plate information, these systems aid hospital security (and law enforcement, if they choose to share the images) in identifying suspects or vehicles involved in violent incidents within or around healthcare facilities.

A pertinent example occurred in Atlanta, Georgia recently, when local law enforcement effectively utilized LPR technology following a tragic shooting in a medical office waiting room. The suspect, identified as a patient, committed a shooting in the facility, caused the death of one woman and injuring  four others. Police employed a combination of security cameras and LPR camera technology to track the suspect’s whereabouts after he fled the city in a stolen pickup truck. The LPR cameras proved instrumental in tracking the stolen vehicle, eventually locating him at a parking garage in a neighboring county. This case demonstrates the invaluable role of LPR technology in aiding in real-time emergency situations and swiftly locating individuals involved in violent incidents.

Advanced Video Analytics 

While LPR technology plays a crucial role in perimeter security, other technologies complement its effectiveness. AI-enhanced video surveillance systems equipped with advanced video analytics enable real-time detection of violent behavior or altercations within healthcare facilities. These systems can automatically alert security personnel, facilitating swift intervention and preventing incidents from escalating.

Access Control Systems

Controlling access to sensitive areas within healthcare facilities is paramount for ensuring the safety of patients and staff. Access control systems equipped with biometric authentication, such as fingerprint or iris scanning, bolster security measures. By verifying the identity of individuals before granting access, these systems significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized entry and potential threats.

Panic Buttons and Mobile Applications

Providing employees with panic buttons or mobile applications enhances their ability to seek immediate assistance during critical situations. These technologies allow staff members to send distress signals to security personnel or designated response teams, enabling a rapid and coordinated response to potential incidents.

Visitor Management Systems

Visitor management systems have evolved beyond traditional sign-in sheets. Today, intelligent systems utilize ID scanning, facial recognition, or QR codes to enhance visitor authentication and validation. These technologies help identify potential threats by cross-referencing visitor data with watchlists or identifying patterns of suspicious behavior.

 Conclusion

In the face of escalating workplace violence, healthcare organizations must harness the power of advanced technologies to foster safer environments. By embracing a multi-layered approach and harnessing the capabilities of these cutting-edge technologies, healthcare organizations can proactively identify and mitigate potential threats, ultimately ensuring the safety of patients, staff, and visitors alike.

Robert Parks, is a commercial solutions consultant for Flock Safety with over 15 years of experience in global security operations, programs, and technology management. He formerly served as Head of Public Safety at a large healthcare organization and as Manager of Asset Protection at a major international retail chain. Prior to joining the private sector, Parks was a police officer and a special agent for, The Department of Homeland Security.