Physical security solutions protect a healthcare organization’s people, property, and premises. However, today’s sophisticated security technologies enable organizations to do more than deter or catch criminal activity. They can also keep an eye on operational processes and generate data insights about your facility.
Increased Data Points
Traditionally, technologies such as video surveillance and access control have been used to monitor and record unwanted activity, and to keep unauthorized individuals out of critical spaces. Today those same technologies are used as critical data points. For example, video surveillance can be combined with people counting to aid in flow metrics or with elevated temperature technologies to help reduce the spread of disease. Access control can show who accessed what areas and when, and how long they were there, which may aid in things like contact tracing. Access control also helps prevent the misuse of pharmaceuticals and reduces liabilities by tracking and verifying access to critical spaces.
Increased Protection of Private Data
Protecting private data is one of the primary duties in healthcare, making cybersecurity of critical importance. However, physical security is the first line of defense against stolen data. In a busy environment that still relies on physical documents and fax machines, due to HIPAA regulations, making sure that only the right people have access to sensitive information is critical.
Reduced Incidence of Violence
The healthcare environment is often emotionally charged and can be exceptionally dangerous for healthcare workers. Recently, the International Committee of the Red Cross issued a statement regarding increased incidents of violence and harassment taking place against healthcare workers, patients, and medical infrastructure. This supports a 2019 study reporting 75% of nearly 25,000 workplace assaults occurred in healthcare settings. Security technologies help reduce these incidents by controlling access and having increased visual awareness of critical areas and activities.
Improved Efficiencies
With increased information and awareness, healthcare organizations can improve efficiencies. For example, staff can clean bathrooms immediately after a certain number of people enter and exit, or detect a spill in the lobby that could become a hazard. And by noting that the lobby has numerous people standing or has reached capacity restrictions, staff can open an overflow room so employees can move about unhindered.
Reduced Viral Spread
Another huge advantage of security technologies in the healthcare environment is the ability to reduce the number of touched surfaces. Touch-free access control can help reduce the transmission of viruses.
Strong security is an inherent need in healthcare facilities. Today, security technologies provide far more than pure security and can add awareness and improved efficiency as well.
About Sierra Group
As a united, multi-disciplined service-focused company specializing in electronic physical security, we have a unique 360° perspective that gives us the ability to help you meet your specific security needs with laser precision.
If you are looking for a security integration and management company or are interested in learning more, please contact us. Our goal is to help you reach yours.
Learn more about the Sierra Group difference here, or reach out to us at:
Chris Jeske
ESD Manager
818-266-7462 (cell)
1-(888)-880-4949 ext. 230
cjeske@callsierra.com
www.callsierra.com
