Key Considerations for a Healthcare Workplace Violence Prevention Plan

Workplace violence remains a significant concern across the healthcare industry. Open access, high patient volumes, emotionally charged situations and interactions with patients, visitors and staff around the clock can create unique security challenges.

A comprehensive workplace violence prevention plan is an important part of hospital security and preparedness. While every healthcare environment is different, several key areas should be considered when developing or reviewing a program.

Establish a Coordinated Plan

Workplace violence prevention planning should involve stakeholders from across the organization to ensure different operational and clinical perspectives are represented, including:

• Security and emergency management
• Clinical teams and human resources
• Facilities and organizational leadership

Coordination with law enforcement, fire, EMS, and neighboring healthcare organizations is an important part of workplace violence prevention planning,  emergency responses, and preparedness. Establishing these relationships in advance can provide opportunities to discuss roles, procedures, and coordination before an emergency occurs.

Define Workplace Violence and Establish Clear Procedures

A workplace violence prevention plan starts with a clear definition of workplace violence behaviors, including verbal and nonverbal threats, intimidation, harassment, and physical acts of violence.

Clear policies and procedures establish expectations, reporting requirements, and appropriate actions so employees understand what to do when they experience or witness concerning behavior.

Key areas may include:

• Definitions and expectations related to workplace violence behaviors
• Reporting and escalation procedures
• Roles and responsibilities before, during and after an incident
• Emergency communication protocols
• Patient and visitor considerations
• Continuity and diversion procedures if normal operations are disrupted

For example, if an emergency department is temporarily closed due to an active shooter incident, the emergency response plan needs to address where patients will be diverted, how staff will be directed and how those changes will be communicated. Thinking through scenarios like this in advance can help inform procedures and clarify responsibilities.

Include Security in Preparedness
 

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Hospital Security is an important part of workplace violence prevention and emergency response planning. Leadership commitment is also essential to reinforcing the importance of staff safety and security as part of the overall healthcare environment.

Security professionals can contribute their knowledge of the healthcare environment, existing procedures, and potential areas of concern.

Security professionals can assist with a range of preparedness efforts, including:

• Risk assessments
• Training and exercises
• Staffing considerations
• Policy and procedure development
• Emergency response planning

Establish Reporting and Regular Review

Establishing a clear, accessible reporting process gives employees a consistent way to document incidents, threats, and concerning behaviors. Employees need to understand what to report, how to report it, and where concerns can be escalated.

An emergency response planning committee with the appropriate stakeholders can help keep the plan current. Monthly meetings are recommended when possible, or at minimum, quarterly, to review areas such as:

• Reported incidents and concerning behaviors
• Patient volume 
• Operations
• Facility changes
• Security concerns

Maintain Communication and Awareness

Ongoing communication is important to maintaining a culture of awareness and prevention. It starts with staff but extends to patients, visitors, and the broader community, reinforcing the healthcare organization’s commitment to workplace violence prevention and a proactive approach to safety.

Consistent communication can help keep staff informed about procedures, reporting expectations, and preparedness efforts while helping patients, visitors, and the community understand the organization’s approach to safety and workplace violence prevention.

Technology can also support awareness and communication.  Intrusion Detection Systems can help identify potential threats early, enabling prompt action and helping keep the appropriate teams informed. 

Prepare for the Unexpected

Effective workplace violence prevention planning takes into account each healthcare organization’s specific environment, operations, and potential risks. Preparing for unexpected events and establishing appropriate emergency response measures are important components of protecting staff, patients, and visitors while addressing applicable regulatory requirements.

Allied Universal® works with healthcare facilities and hospitals to support tailored security programs that combine security professionals, technology, and professional services based on each organization’s specific needs.
 

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