Collaborating to Stop Violence Against Healthcare Workers
Healthcare professionals dedicate their lives to healing and caring for others. Yet, within the walls of hospitals, they face an alarming and disheartening challenge in this effort: workplace violence. This issue extends beyond isolated incidents; it affects the very fabric of our healthcare system. Nurses, doctors, and support staff will all inevitably encounter verbal abuse, physical assaults, and threats while fulfilling their duties. These acts of violence not only harm caregivers, but also jeopardize patient safety.
That’s why SCHA is committed to working with our members to make a difference on this issue. From advocating at the SC State House and in Washington for policies that protect healthcare workers to innovative efforts to improve data collection and shed new awareness on this issue, we’re doing all we can to ensure our hospitals remain sanctuaries of healing and compassion. Below are just a few of our current efforts:
The “Do No Harm” Workplace Violence Awareness Toolkit
Spreading the Message of Safety & Security in SC Hospitals
SCHA has developed a comprehensive “Do No Harm” Workplace Violence Toolkit aimed at raising awareness and deterring incidents of workplace violence within hospitals. This toolkit includes op-eds, posters, a code of conduct, and more. The full toolkit is available here.
Fresh Insights from Data Collaborative with Antum Risk
Through a partnership with Antum Risk, South Carolina now has a statewide platform for all healthcare facilities in the state to upload their data to a centralized location. Thanks to that report, we have produced a new report on workplace violence in South Carolina hospitals. The first of its kind in the state it documents the frequency and nature of incidents, offers recommendations to enhance safety, and shares best practices that hospitals are implementing to protect their workforce and patients. See the full 2023 report here.
For hospitals interested in joining the collaborative, please complete the Participation Agreement, Data Use Agreement, and Organizational Assessment Survey. Once all three of the required program materials have been submitted, a staff member will contact you about the data submission process.
For more information, contact Beth Morgan or see this press release. Additional program materials are at the end of this page.
Best Practices from SC Hospitals
South Carolina’s hospitals and health systems are utilizing cutting-edge solutions to improve hospital safety and security, including enhanced surveillance, elevated training for security officers, first-alert badges for staff, and trained K-9 units to ensure a more secure environment for everyone, including patients, employees and visitors. Below are just a few of those best practices:
Prisma Health Implements Panic Button System to Combat Workplace Violence
Lexington Medical Center’s License Plate Reader System Provides Rapid Alerts
MUSC Health Black River Medical Center Designed with Security in Mind
UHS Finds Success in Using De-escalation Training to Address Workplace Violence
Safety and Security Learning Collaborative (Webinars)
Together, we can make our hospitals safer for patients, visitors, and healthcare professionals alike. Below are recordings from previously scheduled learning collaboratives, where industry leaders discuss best practices and innovative strategies to enhance hospital safety.
Enhancing Hospital Safety by Identifying Violent Patients
Lucy Easler, PhD, RN, PMH-BC, NEA-BC, Director of Behavioral Care Services for Prisma Health-Midlands Affiliate, presenting on Prisma Health's comprehensive approach to identifying and managing previously violent individuals. Recorded 6/19/24 and linked here.
The Role of License Plate Readers in Violence Prevention and Operational Efficiency
Justin McClarrie, Director of Public Safety at Lexington Medical Center, sharing insights from their successful implementation, detailing how license plate reader systems enhance security through integration with law enforcement databases, proactive monitoring, and response to workplace violence. Recorded 7/17/24 and linked here.
Dogs to the Rescue
Todd O’Quinn, Director of Safety and Security, and Officer Steve Reed, spotlighting AnMed's innovative use of specially-trained security dogs, successfully integrating canine companions into hospital security protocols, revolutionizing safety measures, and enhancing deterrence and detection capabilities. Recorded 8/21/24 and linked here.
Community Partners in Violence Prevention
McLeod Health team spotlighting a successful partnership with local law enforcement and the Fourth Circuit Solicitor's Office, which has resulted in improved incident management and prosecutorial response. Recorded 9/18/24 and linked here.
Enhancing Workplace Safety through De-escalation Training. Presenters from The Carolina Center for Behavioral Health with Universal Health Services (UHS) shared their effective de-escalation strategies, emphasizing the involvement of all staff, not just security, in creating a safer, more supportive environment. Their training programs in active listening and conflict resolution have led to improved staff morale, patient satisfaction, and reduced violence. Recorded 10/23/24 and linked here.
Advocating for the SAVE Act
Please follow this link to send a message directly to your members of Congress letting them know that the SAVE Act can save lives! Just enter your contact information and include your name and organization.
The Safety from Violence for Healthcare Employees (SAVE) Act (H.R. 2584/S.2768) would provide federal protections for health care workers who are victims of violence and intimidation in the workplace. This bipartisan bill would provide federal protections from workplace violence for healthcare workers, similar to the protections in current law for airport and aircraft employees. AHA has created a number of resources that can be used to highlight the need to pass the SAVE Act, including a fact sheet, a digital toolkit, and this Infographic.