Workplace violence remains a distressing reality in healthcare settings, significantly impacting the well-being of nurses who dedicate their lives to patient care. As incidents of verbal and physical aggression against healthcare professionals continue to rise, addressing this issue has become more critical for healthcare providers than ever.
Technology, specifically body-worn cameras (BWCs), emerges as a promising tool to enhance safety and accountability in healthcare environments.
Overview of current state of healthcare violence
According to recent reports from the American Nurses Association and National Nurses United (NNU), workplace violence against nurses has escalated alarmingly in recent years, especially post COVID-19 pandemic. Nurses, who play a pivotal role in patient care, face various forms of violence, ranging from verbal abuse to physical assaults. These incidents not only compromise their physical and mental health but also affect their ability to provide optimal care to patients.
Unfortunately, there is a trend in with nurses not reporting every incident. This can come from various reasons, some including unclear ways to report incidents, fear of employer retaliation and the idea that violent acts against them is just a part of their job.
As a result, hospitals don’t have a true count of all of the incidents happening, making it harder to understand the scale of the situation and to solve the root of the problem–nurses feeling safe to do their jobs. This is resulting in increases in costs due to staff turnover, time away from work, and injury treatment.
Current technology being used to combat violence against nurses
Healthcare facilities have implemented various technologies and strategies to help mitigate the risks associated with workplace violence. Some tactics include panic buttons that alert security personnel, extensive training programs on de-escalation techniques, and the presence of dedicated security personnel in high-risk areas.
While these measures are crucial, newer technologies like BWCs offer additional layers of protection and accountability.
How body-worn cameras can help
Body-worn cameras serve as a proactive tool, aiding frontline workers in feeling secure while performing their duties and adding an extra layer of protection by capturing real-time footage during interactions to manage workplace violence and liability incidents.
In this recent study by the International Association for Healthcare Security and Safety Foundation (IAHSS) around BWCs in healthcare, “most have used BWC footage to settle disputes in the hospital (78.3%), and some have used BWC footage in court (28.6%)”, plus “the large majority believe BWCs are worth the cost (95.7%).”
BWCs allow for clear processes around reporting violent incidents, so there is no confusion around what should be reported to OSHA. These devices, which can be worn on nurse's uniforms or lanyards, serve as vital evidence in investigating and reporting incidents in addition to resolving disputes swiftly. A study from NNU states, “only about 1 in 3 nurses (31.7%) reported that their employer provides a clear way to report incidents.” These devices can serve as a way to bridge the gap in reporting.
Finally, especially in areas of hospitals where increased violent incidents occur or home health scenarios, the presence of cameras can deter aggressive behavior, fostering a safer environment for all. Studies have shown, that both sides of an interaction often behave better with knowledge that they are being recorded.
Current misconceptions of body-worn cameras
Despite their potential benefits, body-worn cameras in healthcare settings raise concerns regarding privacy and consent. Nurses and patients alike may worry about their interactions being recorded without their permission.
It is crucial to address these misconceptions by emphasizing strict protocols for camera usage, ensuring compliance with privacy laws, and obtaining informed consent where necessary.
Through Axon’s automated redaction tool, in Axon Evidence, footage obtained by body-worn cameras can be redacted to remove personal information and satisfy HIPAA. This allows for the tool to be used as a safety measure during violent incidents, while still maintaining patient privacy.
Our customers have seen success in addressing nurses initial fears of being recorded by creating policies outlining that the device only be used during safety incidents to either communicate with security/law enforcement or record the interaction.
Conclusion
It’s no surprise that combating workplace violence against nurses will require a multifaceted approach, integrating both traditional strategies and new technologies. BWCs not only enhance safety measures but also promote transparency and accountability in healthcare environments.
As we move forward, we know healthcare organizations will find new strategies for maintaining the well-being of their staff and explore technological solutions that safeguard those who dedicate their lives to caring for others.
If you are looking to trial body-worn cameras at your healthcare facility or are looking to learn more, reach out to us at enterprise@axon.com.