Workplace violence in medicine has skyrocketed since 2020, with 10.4 in 10,000 healthcare workers experiencing nonfatal workplace violence, according to a Jan. 26 report from the American Medical Association.
At least 25 percent have also been assaulted by a patient or patient's family member, according to the report.
Danville, Pa.-based Geisinger Health System's chief medical officer, Narayana Murali, MD, has outlined what Geisinger is doing to protect physicians and nurses against patient violence.
1. Hiring more security and boosting data: In 2021, assaults and homicides on Geisinger's medical campus increased by 21 percent. In response, it bolstered its security by creating a single point of entry into the building, monitored by security at all times, and boosted its number of security workers from 53 to 137. Geisinger also bolstered its reporting system, realizing that it was under-reporting cases of violence.
2. Technology investments: Geisinger provided its entire staff with high-tech badges that can activate emergency assistance with the touch of a button. It sends an employee's location to security immediately. The badges have been distributed at five Geisinger sites to date.
3. Metal detector improvement: By installing metal detectors, the health system intercepted 5,000 knives, 346 pepper-spray containers, 130 firearms, 20 tasers and 1,800 other prohibited items in 2022.
4. Training: Geisinger has increased active-shooter drills and defense training to prepare its staff for incidents.