Workplace violence is an escalating concern in the healthcare industry, with healthcare workers facing higher risks of physical and emotional harm than those outside healthcare.¹ Despite various efforts to curb these incidents, the issue remains pervasive.
In a recent CENTEGIX webinar, four healthcare leaders explored the critical challenges of workplace violence. Panelists examined why traditional solutions often fall short and highlighted how CENTEGIX’s CrisisAlert™ platform is transforming how healthcare leaders approach workplace safety.
The Problem of Workplace Violence in Healthcare
Violence in healthcare has reached a crisis point, impacting not only the safety of employees but also the overall quality of care provided to patients. Jennifer Schmitz described the timeliness of the conversation and a recent sense of urgency to address the issue, stating that now “workplace violence in healthcare is recognized as a very critical issue, requiring comprehensive, multifaceted strategies to address it.” She adds that “advocacy and legislative efforts help raise awareness and broaden our response efforts.”
Healthcare workers frequently encounter situations involving agitated patients, challenging family members, and high-stress scenarios, making them particularly vulnerable. When discussing why, Schmitz replied, “It’s driven by a variety of different things; external stressors, systemic challenges of an ever-evolving healthcare environment…but that urgent need is still there for an investment in safety measures.”
The statistics are alarming: healthcare professionals are five times more likely to experience workplace violence compared to other industries.¹ During the webinar, panelists discussed the physical and mental risks associated with these incidents and how they contribute to emotional burnout, lower job satisfaction, and a decrease in the quality of patient care.
One key insight shared during the webinar was how widespread effects of violence or feelings of vulnerability impact every aspect of healthcare operations. Beyond immediate harm, there are long-term consequences like lower staff retention rates and challenges in maintaining a stable, focused workforce.
“Every single healthcare facility and every clinician and non-clinician who works in healthcare is focused on clinical outcomes and patient safety,” explained Dr. Kevin Klauer. “But how can we really take care of those patients without taking care of the people who care for the patients? It’s critically important.”
Addressing workplace violence, therefore, is not just about protecting staff—it’s about fostering a safer, more productive environment for everyone.
Historical Solutions and Their Limitations
Over the years, the healthcare industry has implemented several strategies to combat workplace violence. Traditional solutions include enhanced security measures, panic buttons, de-escalation training programs, and infrastructure improvements like secure entrances and restricted access areas. While these measures make contributions to overall safety, our panelists pointed out significant limitations. For instance, panic buttons and security alerts often require staff to be in a specific location, such as their desk, to activate the alarm. Additionally, these systems may lack the ability to convey precise information quickly, delaying response times during critical incidents. Training programs, while beneficial, can also be insufficient on their own. Even well-trained staff members can struggle to manage aggressive situations without immediate backup or support. As shared during the webinar, these measures are often limited by varying levels of comfort and experience among staff when handling confrontational situations.
Another core challenge is that many traditional solutions are reactive rather than proactive. On-site services intended for post-event debriefing, support for staff involved, and environmental modifications to high-risk areas can all work well as individual tactics to minimize risk, “but, as you see,” shared Jennifer Schmitz, “they still do not prevent things from occurring.” The panelists agreed that by focusing efforts on proactively addressing safety, an organization can best support its workforce.
“As all of you know, your people are your greatest asset. It is not the state-of-the-art equipment. It is not the fancy buildings. It is the people who are the key to the delivery of compassionate patient care.” stated Nancy Shendell-Falik. “We are at a point where, by not being proactive, we risk staff satisfaction and engagement, which impacts patient care and staff retention. And when people leave, it’s disruptive to their environment, disruptive to the organization, [and] has a financial toll as recruiting and orienting new staff hits the budget.”
Panelists also emphasized the importance of a layered approach—one that goes beyond isolated security measures to create a comprehensive culture of safety. Without the right tools to empower staff, traditional solutions can leave gaps in protection, leading to vulnerabilities that compromise both staff wellbeing and patient care.
The Value of Feeling Safe in the Workplace
Panelists spent time exploring the value of feeling safe, both physically and psychologically, and the impact it has on the caregiver. “When people feel safe, they are secure. They feel there’s a level of trust and they can optimally function in their environment and thrive,” Shendell-Falik explained. “It allows people to be at their best as compared to being in an environment where one feels vulnerable. That takes a toll on people.”
Data was presented on the mental health impacts of ongoing workplace violence, recorded by the CDC:
- 85% of those who were exposed to violence reported anxiety compared to those who were not exposed²
- 60% reported depression²
- 81% reported burnout²
Panelists also discussed the calls for action, legislatively and within individual organizations. “There have been over 13 strikes in healthcare this year, and many of them listed workplace safety as a key component. The [needs] to be addressed by leaders,” Shendell-Falik said.
How CENTEGIX and CrisisAlert Elevate Workplace Safety
Presenting on behalf of CENTEGIX, Andrea Greco introduced the attendees to CENTEGIX’s CrisisAlert™ platform; a “game-changing” approach to workplace safety in healthcare. Unlike traditional systems, CrisisAlert is designed to be a comprehensive, user-friendly tool that can be seamlessly integrated into existing operations. Its key feature—a discreet, wearable duress badge—enables staff to call for help anywhere within the facility, ensuring that support is always within reach.
During the webinar, experts, including Greco, detailed how the CrisisAlert system provides immediate alerts with the simple press of a wearable button. This immediacy ensures that staff can summon help quickly, even when they may be away from their desks or unable to use other communication methods, and responders will immediately receive precise location information of who needs help and where they’re located. The ability to initiate a silent alarm allows staff to remain calm and focus on de-escalation, knowing that help is on the way. These duress badges are given to every member of the organization, no matter the role. “We assign [badges] to every person so that everyone can be part of creating and maintaining a safety culture within your organization,” explains Greco.
CrisisAlert is unique because of several key features:
- It’s discreet and wearable so that anyone can signal for help at any time.
- Precise locating abilities accelerate response times during an alert.
- Total campus coverage: CrisisAlert works inside patient rooms, stairwells, outside in parking lots and garages, even from building to building.
- Neither Wi-Fi or cell service are required to send an alert. CrisisAlert is powered by its own private LoRaWAN and Bluetooth networks.
- It does not consistently track staff. Locating abilities are only activated when a user sends an alert for help.
Another standout aspect of CrisisAlert, as highlighted in the discussion, is its scalability. As healthcare facilities grow and adapt, the system can expand with them, making it a sustainable solution for both current demands and future needs. The technology integrates smoothly with existing communication systems and procedures, ensuring a seamless transition without disrupting operations. It also offers customizable integrations, like a direct connection to PSAP.
Lastly, the webinar explored how CrisisAlert contributes to creating a culture of safety within healthcare facilities. “By providing staff with a reliable, easy-to-use tool, healthcare organizations can foster an environment where employees feel valued and protected,” shared Greco. “This, in turn, positively impacts morale and retention, helping facilities maintain a stable, committed workforce.”
Conclusion: A New Standard in Healthcare Safety
The healthcare industry faces unique challenges when it comes to workplace violence, and addressing these challenges requires more than traditional methods. CENTEGIX CrisisAlert offers a proactive, scalable solution that empowers healthcare workers to respond swiftly and effectively in critical situations. As discussed in the webinar, investing in such solutions is not just about safety—it’s about ensuring that healthcare workers feel supported, respected, and ready to provide the best care possible for patients.
By embracing innovative tools like CrisisAlert, healthcare organizations can take meaningful steps toward building safer workplaces, ultimately benefiting staff, patients, and the broader community.
Want to watch the full webinar? ACCESS IT HERE
1. Workplace Violence in Healthcare, 2018: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov)
2. CDC (2023, October 24). Health Workers Face a Mental Health Crisis. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved March 13, 2024, from https://www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/health-worker-mental-health/index.html
