As a hospital administrator, you constantly seek ways to improve patient care and safety. In conjunction with that, you also aim to improve your hospital’s operational efficiency and security.
One way to achieve this is by utilizing technology, more specifically, video monitoring and analytics. This solution can significantly change how hospitals ensure the well-being of their patients. A hospital video monitoring system can keep a vigilant eye on every corner of your facility while analyzing data in real-time. It offers a proactive approach to maintaining a safe environment.
Learn how combining hospital patient video monitoring and analytics improves efficiency, security and patient satisfaction. This article discusses all you need to know about hospital video monitoring and analytics to make an informed decision.
Safety Challenges in Hospitals
The challenges surrounding patient safety in health care facilities are constantly evolving. For instance, hospitals have faced various safety and security challenges ranging from patient safety to workplace violence. A New England Journal of Medicine study found that nearly one in every four patients admitted to hospitals in the U.S. may experience harm. These injuries can be direct, like patient falls, or indirect, like unauthorized premises access and theft of vital medical tools.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states that health care workers facing high-stress situations are more likely to suffer workplace violence injuries than other workers. One of these incidents includes the escalating cases of gun violence in hospitals.
As such, facilities with low safety and security measures may jeopardize patient care and tarnish a facility’s reputation. These repercussions may also lead to hefty liability claims. The current challenges underscore the importance of proactive measures to identify and address threats before they escalate.
Investing in technologies like video monitoring analytics offers a proactive solution. With video monitoring systems, hospitals gain the ability to quickly identify and address potential threats, enhance patient safety and potentially save costs.
However, some health care facilities operate with older systems. Working with older systems may lead to security gaps and incident investigation inefficiencies. Hospitals must stay up-to-date with the latest modern video monitoring solutions.
Newer technologies are equipped with advanced analytics, which provides better visibility on critical security and safety issues. Most video monitoring systems also ensure your facility complies with industry standards, which can foster an environment of excellent care.
The 6 Benefits of Hospital Video Monitoring
Implementing patient video monitoring analytics in hospitals offers six key safety benefits.
1. Enhances Security Measures
Video monitoring provides an extra layer of security by continuously monitoring various areas within the hospital premises. With these systems in place, hospital admins can deter potential security breaches and promptly respond to incidents. This proactive approach ensures the safety of patients, staff and visitors alike.
2. Enables Real-Time Response
In emergency situations, video monitoring can provide valuable real-time information to aid in decision-making and response efforts. For instance, during a fire or natural disaster, surveillance cameras can help emergency responders assess the situation and evacuate patients safely.
Similarly, in the event of a medical emergency or security threat, video footage can provide crucial insights to guide swift and effective interventions.
3. Mitigates Slip-and-Fall Accidents
Hospitals are bustling environments with patients, visitors and staff constantly moving around. Video monitoring in hospital rooms allows admins to identify potential hazards like wet floors or obstacles in walkways. Hospital admins can take corrective action promptly and reduce the risk of accidents.
4. Optimizes Operational Efficiency
Using surveillance data to optimize workflow and resource allocation, hospital admins may streamline operations and reduce reaction times. This may help improve patient care quality.
5. Ensures Compliance
Furthermore, video monitoring can be critical for assuring compliance with safety measures and regulations. By regularly monitoring high-risk areas and sensitive zones, hospitals may ensure safety rules are followed.
These rules include adequate hygiene procedures, fire safety protocols and infection control measures. Following these safety rules may also help reduce the chance of patient injury.
6. Prevents Violence and Theft
By placing cameras in key areas like waiting rooms, corridors and parking lots, hospital security teams may notice and intervene in incidents before they escalate. As a result, having video monitoring systems in place creates a safer environment.
Moreover, video monitoring can assist in preventing theft within the hospital. Valuable medical equipment, pharmaceuticals and patients’ personal belongings are often targets for theft. By monitoring these areas closely, you can identify suspicious behavior and take preventive measures.
Key Considerations for Hospital Administrators
Consider the following factors when contemplating implementing a video monitoring and analytics system in your hospital:
- Privacy regulations and data security: Collecting and analyzing patient and visitor data can create privacy concerns. Thus, it is critical to use video analytics with privacy in mind. To address these issues, ensure transparency and set explicit data collecting, storage and usage regulations. Consider using elements like pixelation to secure individual identities while allowing for effective monitoring.
- Cost of implementing and maintaining: While investing in video technology can provide large returns, it is critical to weigh the initial costs and continuing expenses. Consider the system’s scalability and potential future improvements to ensure it fits within your hospital’s budget and long-term objectives.
- Integration with existing systems: Check that the video monitoring and analytics system is compatible with your current security and health care technology. Choosing an open security platform allows for seamless integration and future expansion, allowing your team to work more efficiently.
- Selecting the right system: Look for a credible vendor with experience with health care security and a track record of successful implementations. Consider system dependability, customer support and training options to ensure a smooth transition and continuous employee support.
Maintain Patient Safety With BCD’s Solutions
By implementing hospital video monitoring and analytics, hospital administrators like yourself may proactively address security risks while increasing operational efficiency. From preventing workplace violence to managing overcrowding in emergency rooms, video analytics provide a holistic solution adapted to the specific demands of health care facilities.
If you want to expand your hospital’s video technology, consider partnering with BCD. We are a market disruptor renowned for our innovative and performance-built solutions. We have a steadfast commitment to maximizing return on investment and simplifying video data infrastructure.
Explore BCD’s comprehensive range of purpose-built solutions — all backed by lifetime technical support and industry-leading warranties:
- Connect and enhance your systems with Harmonize Bridge, hybrid cloud integration
- Ensure proactive monitoring and support with Harmonize RMM to ensure maximum system uptime
- Improve efficiency with high-availability virtualized infrastructure solutions.
- Learn more about rapid insights with Milestone Systems XProtect® Rapid REVIEW servers.
Contact us online for further information.
