The following article was written by MHA Endorsed Business Partner (EBP) Tarian (formerly HSS) and outlines essential strategies and best practices to create a safer environment for all.
Workplace violence in healthcare settings is an alarming reality that can jeopardize the safety of staff, patients and visitors. With the ongoing incidents of violence, all hospitals must be able to effectively prevent and respond to potential threats. Hospitals without onsite security teams must take extra steps to be proactive and ensure employees feel empowered and prepared.
Below is a brief guide for hospitals on how to prepare, prevent and respond to an act of violence.
Preparation: Developing a Comprehensive Plan
- Risk Assessment
Conduct a thorough risk assessment to identify potential vulnerabilities within the hospital. Analyze past incidents, evaluate patient demographics and assess environmental factors that may contribute to violence. - Policy Development
Establish clear policies and procedures addressing workplace violence. Ensure all staff are familiar with these policies and understand the importance of reporting any incidents or suspicious behavior. - Training & Education
Provide regular training for all employees, including clinical and non-clinical staff, on recognizing warning signs of potential violence, de-escalation techniques and emergency response protocols. Include role-playing scenarios to enhance skills and confidence.
Prevention: Creating a Safer Environment
- Improve Environmental Design
Optimize the physical environment to deter violence. This can include better lighting, clear signage and controlled access to sensitive areas. Consider implementing panic buttons or alarm systems that staff can easily access in emergencies. - Staff Engagement
Foster a culture of safety by encouraging open communication among staff members. Implement regular safety meetings to discuss concerns, share experiences and brainstorm solutions to potential issues. - Patient Screening and Monitoring
Screen patients for history of violence or substance abuse during intake assessments. Monitor patients exhibiting aggressive behavior closely and involve mental health professionals when necessary.
Response: Effective Action Plans
- Emergency Response Team
Establish a designated emergency response team composed of trained staff members who can act swiftly in the event of violent incidents. Ensure this team is familiar with the hospital layout, emergency protocols and communication channels. - Clear Communication Protocols
Develop and disseminate clear communication protocols for reporting violent incidents. Staff should know who to contact and how to escalate situations quickly. Use walkie-talkies or mobile devices to maintain constant communication during emergencies. - Post-incident Support
After any incident of workplace violence, provide immediate support to affected staff. This may include counseling services, debriefing sessions and follow-up care to address psychological impacts. Encourage a culture of support where staff feel comfortable discussing their experiences.
In a 2021 McKinsey & Co. workforce survey, over 60% of front line healthcare workers cited feeling unsafe as a major contributor to leaving or considering leaving their healthcare job. By implementing these strategies, hospitals, especially those without a security team, can greatly reduce violent incidents while helping the workforce feel more supported and prepared in the event of an incident.
The MHA Keystone Center has partnered with Tarian for several years to address violence in healthcare. Members who attend the MHA Safety & Quality Symposium on April 28-29, 2025 will have the opportunity to register to attend a pre-conference threat assessment workshop with Tarian for hands-on training.
Members may contact Seth Karnes, senior director of risk, consulting and training at Tarian to discuss risk assessments, staff training or policy review. Members with questions about the MHA Keystone Center and resources available may contact Adam Novak. Members with questions about the EBP program should visit the MHA’s Business Services page or contact Rob Wood at the MHA.