Rapid advancements in security systems integration, security technologies and officers’ response tools have enabled hospitals to develop security and risk mitigation apparatus that are far more proactive, more preventative and more strategic than ever before. A case in point: the application, integration and flow of data intelligence enables hospital security to make decisions at a very rapid pace and on a global basis. On the ground, security officers who are well-informed by timely and critical information and intelligence and carry enhanced non-lethal response tools can be far more effective at deescalating or subduing violent confrontations compared to underequipped peers.
Designing and delivering risk mitigation and security solutions with the best outcomes isn’t easy, but best-in-class peer review committees consistently follow these five best practices:
1. They bring mitigation and security experts into a cross functional committee that represents the hospital from business, infrastructure and support resources perspectives. Team members typically include one or more internal or external Subject Matter Experts, and representatives from Operations, Facilities, Medical Specialty Areas, Human Resources and Security, Safety and Risk Management. It’s also not uncommon for a marketing or public relations representative to participate in the review process, since risk mitigation and security have significant impacts on brand and service delivery.2. Each committee member has a clear understanding of their security and risk mitigation objectives and strategies, which are based on a comprehensive risk assessment, and everyone understands the scope and objective of the committee.
3. Members clearly articulate the hospital’s goals and strategies to the vendor community, and carefully audit all tools and solutions to ensure they meet program parameters and align closely with what the hospital is striving to accomplish.
4. The committee uses Alpha/Beta testing to allow the people directly involved in hospital security to understand and appreciate the capabilities of the various tools, technologies and solutions under consideration. Best practices also call for hands-on pilots of the new tools and technologies to ensure they deliver as expected. Success criteria and measurable outcomes are established prior to the launch of the pilot.
5. To close the deal, the committee prepares an ROI demonstrating the economics are favorable. Design and technology costs are offset by the high costs of assault on patients and staff, including lawsuits, lost worker days and turnover among security personnel, doctors and staff. In essence, the committee builds the case that the hospital cannot afford to NOT purchase risk mitigation and security solutions that better predict and/or help mitigate specific risks.
We hope that, by following these best practices, your peer review committee will deliver the risk management and security solutions that increase the chances of preventing problems, reducing losses and improving operating effectiveness in your hospital facilities.
Learn more about the adoption process - and peer review best practices - in the Guardian 8 Knowledge Base. Visit Universal Services of America online.