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The Role Video Surveillance Plays in Creating the New Healthcare Environment

The Role Video Surveillance Plays in Creating the New Healthcare Environment

As anyone in the healthcare industry can attest, patient-centered care has taken center stage in discussions about delivering the highest possible care. What may surprise most people is that physical security is playing a huge role in addressing some of the industry’s biggest challenges in areas that impact care, such as business management, patient safety, monitoring and more.

Unique Security Risks in Healthcare

While hospitals and other healthcare facilities such as nursing homes, clinics, and urgent care facilities are created as a setting for health and healing, they also include inherent dangers. Most healthcare settings include risks such as infectious matter, hazardous chemicals, pharmaceutical inventories, and expensive equipment. Patient, staff, and visitor safety is also a huge concern, as is the protection of sensitive records. Many healthcare facilities across the United States are taking a closer look at how physical security systems and video surveillance can help reduce vulnerabilities to criminal activities, increase safety, and improve processes.

Video Surveillance in Healthcare

Smart, versatile, and economical, video surveillance is one of the primary tools healthcare facilities are using today in creating a new healthcare environment. Here are just a few of the main ways surveillance is improving patient care and healthcare operations:

  • According to the International Association for Healthcare Security and Safety (IAHSS), the number of healthcare violent crimes in the US is on the rise, up 37% from 15,000 incidents in 2012 to more than 20,500 in 2013 and continues to rise. Video surveillance plays an important role in deterring crime and in solving those crimes committed.
  • Video surveillance is also being used to prevent theft. Healthcare facilities are a huge target for theft of all kinds, from the theft of information to pharmaceuticals, costing the industry millions of dollars each year, and endangering patients. Covering the critical areas of a facility with a comprehensive video security system makes it difficult and less attractive to commit crimes such as theft.
  • Improving processes is another valuable way video surveillance adds to the healthcare climate. Having the ability to see, in real time and in playback, how well staff handles set protocols provides a way for the administration to address areas of need.
  • Another area of concern which video surveillance helps address is patient and staff safety. In a healthcare facility, even non-violent disorderly conduct can have a huge and negative impact on the delivery of care. Implementing facility-wide security cameras and access control systems help mitigate problems and can help facilitate help more quickly.

Healthcare institutions face serious security threats. ASI offers the industry comprehensive, easy-to-manage video surveillance and security solutions that reduce risk, improve processes, and enhance protection. Find out more by calling 844-222-2280.