Healthcare facilities can lower the risk of violence directed at staff or other patients through proper training and a security-focused approach to technology and space planning, according to an article on the Health Facilities Management website.
There are some generally recognized factors that contribute to violent incidents:
• Increased ED wait times
• Unrestricted movement of the public
• Fewer mental health beds
• An increase in patient acuity
• Increased use of hospitals by law enforcement
• Lack of financial resources
Many facilities professionals look to arming security staff members, installing metal detectors, staffing with off-duty police or active shooter training and drills. But, before considering major shifts in preventive or reactive measures, health facilities should conduct a comprehensive evaluation.
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