Managing healthcare environments in 2024 requires juggling multiple responsibilities – preventing workplace violence while increasing staff retention rates; driving better patient outcomes; preserving your brand reputation – all while keeping the business thriving. It’s a big task, and one that you shouldn’t tackle alone.

To help you navigate these complexities, we consulted with two experts: David Ballard and Rich McElwain, Flock Safety Solutions Consultants. With over 35 years of combined law enforcement experience and expertise in criminal investigations, they offer invaluable insights into creating safer healthcare environments.

This 7-part series presents actionable strategies drawn from their extensive knowledge, designed to enhance security, protect healthcare workers, and improve patient outcomes. In our first installment, we explore how integrating advanced technology can bolster your existing security measures. 

Discover more security strategies for your healthcare facility in our guide: 7 Security Strategies to Protect Nurses, Doctors & Patients From Violence.

Part 1: Leveraging Advanced Technology to Reduce Security Efforts and Errors

Appropriately staffing your team is paramount to a sound security strategy – but it’s just one component of a holistic solution when it comes to securing your facility. In the face of escalating violence in healthcare settings, technology emerges as a critical tool. By integrating advanced technological solutions, healthcare facilities can enhance their security, reduce human error, and ensure comprehensive safety for both patients and employees. 

The Limitations of Human Effort

While human vigilance is crucial, it is inherently limited. Security personnel, no matter how skilled, cannot be everywhere at once. Fatigue, distractions, and resource constraints further exacerbate these limitations. This is where technology can step in, providing a scalable and reliable solution that complements human efforts.

Advanced Security Systems

Modern security systems such as license plate recognition (LPR) cameras, advanced visitor management systems, and live video cameras can offer an unparalleled level of security. These systems can monitor multiple areas simultaneously, providing real-time alerts and detailed recordings of any incidents. Integrating these systems with existing security protocols enhances their effectiveness, ensuring that no threat goes unnoticed.

Automated Incident Response

Automation plays a pivotal role in reducing response times and minimizing errors. Advanced security systems, such as Flock LPR cameras, can automatically detect suspicious activities and trigger alerts, enabling swift intervention. For instance, if a stolen vehicle enters your parking lot, the system can instantly notify security personnel instantly, allowing for immediate action.

Cost-Effectiveness of Technology

Investing in technology can also be more cost-effective than continually hiring additional security personnel. While the initial setup may require significant investment, the long-term benefits, including reduced incidents of violence, lower turnover rates, and improved staff morale, far outweigh the costs. Technology acts as a force multiplier, enabling existing security teams to operate more efficiently and effectively.

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Advanced technology is a powerful tool in the fight against healthcare violence. By reducing human effort and error, enhancing existing capabilities, and enabling rapid response, technology is indispensable in creating safer environments for healthcare workers and patients alike.

Read on to part 2: Collecting Pertinent Details with Layered Security Technology