An alarming surge of violent abuse aimed at Australian hospital employees has highlighted the need for better methods of protecting healthcare workers on the front lines.
Recent statistics from South Australia show an average of 36 violent incidents within healthcare settings every day, with nurses and clinicians most at risk [1]. This alarming trend is not confined to one state and during the 2022-2023 financial year, Victoria’s 14 metropolitan hospital services reported 10,099 incidents of occupational violence at an average of 27 incidents per day [2].
Considering these sobering statistics, hospitals must invest in protective measures that focus on practical solutions to violence and other forms of workplace abuse. While increased security numbers and better cooperation with police departments might provide short-term improvements to safety, technology solutions must also be utilised to address these issues in the longer term.
Integrating technology for rapid response
Integrating existing hospital infrastructure with modern technologies like automation platforms and command centres can significantly enhance response coordination during high-risk incidents. This approach ensures swift reactions and adherence to protocols, improving patient care standards and providing a safety net for vulnerable hospital staff. During situations of physical threats or violence, clinicians require fast-access solutions that instantly alert operational teams, such as security personnel, preventing potential harm and allowing staff to focus on their duties with greater peace of mind.
One such solution can be discreetly activated, enabling staff to raise an alarm silently and instantly. This action can deliver notifications to the right staff members via their preferred mobile device or communication method. Once alerted to the critical situation, an urgent response can be initiated. These mobile duress alerts are not confined to a wall or bed and can be engaged anywhere in the hospital setting wherever danger is encountered.
When it comes to selecting a mobile duress solution, it is important to consider the benefits that come with integrating emergency communication and staff safety within a single device. Smart devices equipped with a personal duress button offer a simple and effective way to get immediate assistance, allowing frontline staff to focus on delivering the best possible care to patients.
The technology advantage
Hospitals must consider implementing a system that allows them to monitor incidents, including response times and adherence to protocols, from the onset of duress. Post-incident, technology should provide insights into events, facilitating continuous improvement and safer hospital environments. Investing in operational technology for duress management is cost-effective when compared to clinical solutions, with user-friendly automation platforms allowing gradual adoption and integration. The open platform model ensures scalability that is tailored to the hospital’s broader technology ecosystem. By prioritising staff safety, hospitals can expand automation platforms to enhance task management, environment monitoring, and asset tracking for improved operational efficiency.
Connected Health collaborates with technology provider Olinqua to deliver cutting-edge solutions designed to support collaboration and communication. Olinqua platforms are powered by real-time integration and automation and are engineered to the highest industry standards.
To learn more about the platform for hospitals, contact Connected Health.
[1]Stop the violence in healthcare (anmfsa.org.au)
[2]Surge in Violence Against Melbourne Hospital Workers Sparks Urgent Calls for Action – Health Workers Union (hwu.org.au)