The Growing Threat of Healthcare Violence
Healthcare workers are four times more likely to experience workplace violence than employees in other industries. Recent surveys show nearly half of nurses have seen an increase in violent incidents over the past year, amplifying the urgency for hospitals to implement proactive security solutions.
In a recent podcast, Sheila Cook, Chief Experience Officer at the University of Illinois Hospital & Health Science System explored evolving threats in healthcare settings and how hospitals can safeguard their staff and patients.
Why Healthcare Workers Face Growing Risks
Violence in hospitals has escalated beyond traditional threats. Sheila Cook recalls when incidents were mostly tied to patients with mental health conditions. Today, the triggers are broader — stressed visitors, societal tensions and even cyberattacks targeting hospitals as “soft targets.”
The post-COVID surge in aggressive behavior is attributed to various factors:
- Staffing shortages
- Extended wait times
- Increased social unrest
These issues don’t just risk physical harm — they also lead to burnout, staff turnover and compromised patient care. As Cook emphasizes, “If staff don’t feel safe, they can’t provide the best care."
From Reactive to Proactive: Modern Healthcare Security Strategies
Historically, healthcare security focused on containing immediate threats, often through physical restraints or limited visitor policies. However, modern strategies prioritize prevention and early intervention. Key advancements include:
- Dynamic Risk Assessment Tools — Cook’s institution uses the Dynamic Appraisal Situational Assessment (DASA), a real-time evaluation tool that flags high-risk patients during admission and throughout their stay. This data is integrated into electronic health records (EHRs), alerting staff to potential threats and enabling proactive de-escalation.
- Visitor Management Systems (VMS) — Hospitals like UI Health now employ VMS to screen visitors against watchlists, restrict access for banned individuals, and streamline communication between departments. Linking these systems with risk assessment tools enhances security by preventing repeat offenders from entering facilities.
- Weapons Detection and Access Control — Metal detectors at emergency department entrances, keycard-restricted areas, and panic buttons in high-risk units have become standard. These measures deter weapons from entering and empower staff to summon help instantly.
- Staff Training and Safety Culture — Regular training in Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) techniques and “code” protocols ensures staff are prepared to de-escalate conflicts. Cook stresses the importance of transparent communication and staff feedback in shaping policies.
How Technology Strengthens Healthcare Security
Technology plays a central role in reducing workplace violence, but its effectiveness hinges on thoughtful implementation.
Success Story: Visitor management systems have reduced after-hours stress for 81% of staff and improved patient satisfaction by 19%.
Other innovations include:
- Duress Buttons — Wearable devices that alert security instantly, though adoption remains uneven due to cost and workflow concerns
- Data Integration — Merging risk assessment outputs with security systems to flag high-risk individuals before they enter facilities
- Cybersecurity Protections — Safeguarding patient data and operational systems from ransomware, which can paralyze care delivery
However, technology alone isn’t enough. As Cook explains, “It’s about creating a culture of safety where staff trust that leadership prioritizes their well-being.”
What’s Next? Building Safer Healthcare Environments
Combating healthcare violence requires a multifaceted approach:
- Proactive Patient Assessments — Expanding tools like DASA to identify social determinants of violence (e.g., domestic strife, substance use) during intake
- Interdepartmental Collaboration — Security, behavioral health, and patient experience teams must work in tandem to address threats holistically
- Staff-Centered Design — Involving clinicians in security planning, especially during facility renovations, ensures solutions align with real-world needs
- Community Partnerships — Sharing data with local law enforcement and neighboring hospitals to track repeat offenders and trends
Cook envisions a future where AI and predictive analytics further refine risk assessments, while there is also a strong push for the universal adoption of workplace violence prevention protocols, even in low-risk settings.
Final Thoughts: Prioritizing Safety in Healthcare
Healthcare violence is a systemic issue demanding systemic solutions. By combining technology, training, and a culture of transparency, hospitals can protect their most valuable assets — their staff and patients. As Cook notes, “Awareness and prevention are no longer optional; they’re imperative.”
For healthcare leaders, the path forward is clear: invest in proactive measures, listen to staff, and foster collaboration across every level of care. The safety of our healers — and the quality of care they deliver — depends on it.
To dive deeper into this discussion, listen to the full podcast episode featuring Sheila Cook >>
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