Part One: Mitigating Workplace Violence for Healthcare Workers-Mitigating Workplace Violence for Healthcare Workers, Part 1 Recording

Video Transcription

Video Summary

In a comprehensive webinar, Mike Dunning, Principal Consultant for the Healthcare Security Consulting Group, emphasized the significance of implementing effective workplace violence prevention strategies in healthcare settings. Dunning, who has extensive experience in managing healthcare security across North America, addressed the importance of recognizing and de-escalating aggressive behaviors. He highlighted the anxiety and fear that new environments like hospitals can induce and the necessity for staff to mitigate these feelings through understanding and preparedness.<br /><br />Dunning outlined the objectives of a workplace violence prevention program, emphasizing empowerment for bedside staff to perform their duties without the threat of violence, which is crucial for staff retention and recruitment. He noted the impact of violence not only on staff but also on patients and visitors, potentially affecting their perception of safety and care quality.<br /><br />The session delved into the different categories of workplace violence, strategies for preparation and response, and the importance of evaluating and refining security measures consistently. Dunning also advocated for the inclusion of diverse committee members, such as local law enforcement and union representatives, to provide various perspectives and reinforce safety protocols.<br /><br />Practical strategies for de-escalation were shared, such as the "hello doctrine," and the significance of staff training on non-verbal cues and situational awareness was stressed. Dunning also encouraged incorporating brief, regular safety discussions in daily meetings to reinforce training and preparedness.<br /><br />Overall, the session sought to equip healthcare professionals with the tools and insights necessary to develop resilient and responsive security strategies, ultimately creating a safer environment for staff and patients alike.

Keywords

workplace violence

healthcare security

violence prevention

de-escalation strategies

staff training

situational awareness

safety protocols

patient safety

staff retention

security measures

healthcare environments