Amid staff shortages, automated robots may help solve hospital security and safety issues
DOTmed February 22, 2024
The need for better security has become a top priority for many hospitals in recent years as aggravated assaults and other violent crimes in the healthcare setting continue to rise, with providers and staff members frequently targeted.
According to the 2023 annual Health Crime Survey by the International Association for Healthcare Security and Safety (IAHSS) Foundation, which tracks healthcare industry security and safety measures, hospital staff were the intended victims in 83% of all aggravated assaults, which accounted for 78% of violent crime incidents, in 2022.
Of the 192 respondents surveyed, 65% described efforts to recruit and retain security personnel as difficult or very difficult, compared to 14% who said it was easy or very easy. Those who found it...