Part Five: Mitigating Workplace Violence for Healthcare Workers: Five-Part Series (ODW5020)-_Mitigating Workplace Violence for Healthcare Workers, Part Five Recording

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Video Summary

In the final session of this series, Mike Dunning, a seasoned expert in healthcare security, emphasized the critical importance of psychological safety and post-incident staff support in maintaining successful healthcare security programs. Dunning began by discussing the essence of psychological safety, which is crucial in enabling staff to report incidents or mistakes without fear of retribution. He highlighted that such safety not only fosters a healthier workplace but is foundational to high-reliability organizations in the healthcare sector.<br /><br />Dunning noted that when incidents go unreported due to fear of backlash from peers or administration, it heightens stress and anxiety, leading to increased burnout and mistakes. He shared a personal anecdote about a negative leader whose resistance impeded program success but transformed after understanding the program's value. This illustrates the significant role leaders play in cultivating a safe and supportive environment where staff can openly communicate concerns.<br /><br />Further, Dunning stressed the necessity of having a robust incident response, emphasizing immediate medical attention, emotional support, and comprehensive debriefs to mitigate trauma and prevent re-traumatization. He warned about the risks of ignoring staff trauma, such as reduced job satisfaction and increased turnover, which can damage a hospital's reputation and affect staff recruitment.<br /><br />The session concluded with strategic recommendations for healthcare facilities: develop structured reporting, establish peer support teams, offer tailored training for supervisors, and integrate psychological safety into organizational strategy. The overarching goal is to foster a supportive culture that values staff safety and well-being, reinforcing that everyone's voice in reporting incidents is vital for the continuous improvement of safety protocols.

Keywords

psychological safety

healthcare security

incident reporting

staff support

burnout prevention

leadership role

incident response

emotional support

trauma mitigation

organizational strategy