Almost 60 percent of Americans are concerned for the safety and security of their loved ones in hospitals, afraid of the harm someone else may inflict upon them, according to a March 7 report from Global Healthcare Exchange, a healthcare automation company.
The survey asked more than 2,000 Americans their views about the safety and security of healthcare workers and healthcare facilities. Here is what the company found:
- Sixty-six percent of respondents said that they believe healthcare workers are more likely to be victims of workplace violence than other professions.
- Almost 90 percent of respondents believe that keeping track of every hospital visitor is essential to safety.
- More than 60 percent of people are worried about unauthorized people walking the halls of the hospital.
- Two in five respondents do not feel safe entering a hospital facility.
- Eighty-two percent of people think that there should be more action taken at a state and federal level to protect the safety of healthcare workers.
"We know violence is a contributing factor to nurses leaving the profession and rising levels of burnout which ultimately has a negative effect on patient care," said Chrystie Leonard, general manager of GHX Vendormate. "More than ever, it's vital for hospital leadership to create a safer, more secure environment for staff, patients and visitors and support policies that adopt a zero-tolerance approach to workplace violence."