Addressing Violence and Ensuring Safety Measures in the Healthcare Sector

Protecting Home Healthcare Workers: Addressing Violence and Implementing Safety Measures

Home healthcare workers, in particular, face unique challenges and vulnerabilities. They deliver essential medical care and support to patients in their homes, often navigating unpredictable environments and situations. Ensuring their safety is of utmost importance.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), as many as 62% of healthcare workers have reported experiencing workplace violence. Nurses and doctors have urged Washington to take action on healthcare violence, advocating for safer hospitals and working conditions.

Leaders from the Emergency Nurses Association, the American College of Emergency Physicians, and the American Nurses Association met with congressional staffers in March 2024 to draw more attention to the issue. The Emergency Nurses Association surveyed its members this year and found that more than half (56%) said they had been physically assaulted, verbally harassed, or threatened with violence within the past 30 days.

Home healthcare workers face numerous risks that can compromise their safety, including:

• Unpredictable Environments: Home healthcare workers operate in diverse settings, ranging from urban neighborhoods to rural areas, where they encounter various social dynamics and environmental factors.
• Isolation: Unlike their counterparts in clinical settings, home healthcare workers often operate alone, without immediate access to support or backup in case of emergencies.
• Vulnerability to Violence: Visiting patients' homes exposes healthcare workers to potential confrontations with patients, family members, or other individuals present in the household.

To address these challenges and ensure the safety of home healthcare workers, it is imperative to implement comprehensive safety measures and provide adequate support.

How to protect your Healthcare Workers

This is where SoloProtect comes into play. SoloProtect offers a range of innovative safety devices and apps designed specifically to protect lone workers in various industries, including healthcare. One such solution is the SoloProtect ID Touch, a discreet and lightweight personal safety device equipped with advanced technology.

The SoloProtect ID Touch includes a panic button. When activated, this button connects the user to a dedicated Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) with trained professionals available 24/7. The ARC team assesses the situation, verifies the user's location using GPS technology, and coordinates an appropriate response, which may include dispatching emergency services.‍

In addition to the SoloProtect ID Touch, the SoloProtect Mobile App serves as a companion, offering additional features and functionality to enhance user safety. Through the app, lone workers can easily activate alerts, check in at designated intervals to confirm their safety, and access resources such as safety tips and emergency contacts. The app also provides real-time location tracking, allowing employers and supervisors to monitor the whereabouts of their lone workers and respond swiftly to emergencies.

Enhancing Security and Well-being for Healthcare Lone Workers

By integrating advanced technology with robust support services, SoloProtect improves the safety, security, and well-being of lone workers in various industries. This fosters a culture of safety and resilience in the workplace.

In conclusion, safeguarding home healthcare workers is both a moral imperative and essential for preserving the integrity of healthcare delivery systems. Implementing proactive safety measures and fostering a culture of support and awareness can create safer environments for those who dedicate their lives to caring for others.

Remember, ensuring the safety of home healthcare workers is everyone's responsibility.

Stay safe, stay empowered. Book a demo today.‍