Healthcare facilities are places of healing, but they are increasingly facing security challenges that affect the safety of patients and staff. According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, healthcare workers are now five times more likely to experience workplace violence than those in other industries. This highlights the critical need to integrate strong security measures into design and construction phases as early as possible.
By considering a few top security considerations during design and construction, healthcare facilities can put themselves a step ahead in protecting those who provide and receive care.
Early Engagement is Key
Security should be a foundational element of planning a new facility, not an afterthought. Engaging a project safety team from the beginning ensures that security features are seamlessly integrated into the overall design and can be carried out throughout the construction process.
This approach helps create a secure environment without compromising the facility’s ability to serve as a healing space. It also helps the internal organization and workers feel safer by allowing them to have their concerns heard and potentially reflected in the final result. Perception is reality, and an open partnership established at the outset will make the process smoother and more collaborative.
Understand Each Space
Understanding the specific use cases for different spaces within a hospital is also important to maintain the safety and security of patients, staff, and visitors. Not all rooms are created equal or have the same user profiles or needs. The range of spaces includes:
- Emergency rooms and ICUs, which command heightened security measures due to the critical and sensitive nature of the care administered there;
- Public areas, like lobbies and waiting rooms, where security measures may be focused on visitor management and entry and calibrated for a softer, more welcoming environment for patients and their loved ones; and
- Areas with heightened security protocols to limit unauthorized access, like pharmacies and supply storage rooms.
By tailoring security strategies to the unique needs and functions of each space within a healthcare facility, administrators can effectively mitigate potential risks and create a safer environment for all. This approach also supports operational efficiency by streamlining security measures based on the specific requirements of each area.
Nail the Basics
Nailing security basics in hospital construction begins with applying straightforward, common-sense design principles that prioritize safety and prevent potential threats. A popular approach is Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED), which provides practical advice on security considerations, including the importance of eliminating blind corners, installing bollards in front of entryways to prevent vehicles from crashing into the building and leveraging good lighting and strategic landscaping to eliminate hiding spots.
Additionally, it is recommended that facilities maintain a clear divide between public waiting areas and clinical space, especially considering if some spaces need bulletproof or thicker glass.
Decrease Disruptions
At a time when worker burnout is increasingly prevalent, even minor disruptions can significantly affect both patient care and caregiver wellbeing. Maintaining a calm and secure environment during construction is paramount to ensuring that healthcare professionals can focus on delivering the best possible care without unnecessary distractions. Implementing the right security measures means one less thing to worry about.
This means taking steps that minimize noise, vibration, and movement on an active construction site, especially in areas where specialized care is provided, such as behavioral health units. Patients are often more vulnerable to disturbances in these sensitive environments, so reducing disruptions is not just a matter of convenience but a key component of maintaining a therapeutic atmosphere.
Additionally, recent studies have highlighted the significant negative impact of noise on patient care in hospitals, with effects for everyone from workers to patients to visitors. By prioritizing these considerations, hospitals can safeguard the integrity of patient care, support the wellbeing of their staff, and ensure that construction activities proceed with minimal impact on the overall healthcare environment.
Increase Your Digital Footprint
Modern healthcare environments are increasingly leveraging artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics, and autonomous devices to enhance security measures. AI-driven systems can now monitor large amounts of data in real time to identify potential threats before they escalate. Autonomous security devices and drones are also often used to patrol hospital grounds, offering a full view of live events and alerting security teams to any unusual activity. By incorporating these cutting-edge technologies, healthcare facilities can further bolster security measures and protect those on campus.
Remain Flexible
Above all else, flexibility is the key to elevating security measures. Often, projects can take years, and in that time, many things can change. From community to technology to types of care, hospital facilities should always be ready to adapt. If systems are too rigid, it can be timely and costly to make changes later, so allowing for adaptability upfront is critical for all parties involved.
For instance, during the construction of the Wolfson Children's Hospital Critical Care and Baptist Arrival Tower in Jacksonville, Florida, the project required not just constructing the tower but also redesigning the surrounding roadways. By remaining flexible and engaging with various stakeholders— the project security team, city traffic engineers, and utilities management—early in the process, a comprehensive and adaptable strategy was developed. This approach ensured minimal disruption and a seamless integration of security features throughout the construction and beyond. Embracing flexibility allowed the team, as well as many others, to respond proactively to emerging challenges, ensuring security measures remain effective and relevant throughout a project’s lifecycle.
Conclusion
Implementing the right security measures during the design and construction phase of healthcare facilities is essential for maintaining a safe and supportive environment for patients and staff. Healthcare administrators can create spaces that are not only secure but also conducive to healing and optimal patient care.
