Securing your hospital in a family and friends environment

J Healthc Prot Manage. 2013;29(1):27-31.

Abstract

How does the healthcare security professional protect patients, staff and visitors from harm in the face of a Family and Friends philosophy espoused by many hospitals, a philosophy marked by less restrictive visiting hours, free movement throughout the facility, extended dining hours in the cafeterias and a general feeling of openness? How are security professionals expected to deal with an increase in threats of violence in such a restriction-free environment? In this article the author proposes a number of ways to secure a facility under such challenging circumstances.

MeSH terms

  • Hospital Administration / methods
  • Hospital Administration / trends*
  • Humans
  • Personnel, Hospital / standards*
  • Personnel, Hospital / trends
  • Security Measures*
  • Social Environment
  • Time Factors
  • Violence / prevention & control*
  • Visitors to Patients*