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A worrying increase in the number of verbal abuse and physical violence incidents within healthcare settings is leading to burnout and long-term health problems among nurses and practitioners, causing many to consider leaving not just their roles but the industry altogether. Body-worn cameras offer a new approach to ensure workplace safety within healthcare settings.
1.
Deterring and De-Escalating Violence and Aggression
Violence and aggression towards healthcare workers is a growing concern. The 2022 NHS Staff Survey found that 14.7% of staff had experienced physical violence from patients or members of the public in the past 12 months. While 27.8% of staff had experienced at least one incident harassment, bullying or abuse. The presence of a body camera, especially one with a front-facing screen, is proven to have a calming effect and can help to deter this type of behaviour by serving as a reminder to patients and visitors to behave appropriately.
2.
Supporting the Safety of Lone Workers
Healthcare workers, such as nurses and aids, may often find themselves working alone and vulnerable to violence and aggression. The Royal College of Nursing Employment Survey 2021 found that within community settings, the highest incidences of physical abuse were reported among respondents working in people’s homes (15.4%). Equipping lone working staff with body-worn cameras provides an extra layer of protection in the event they find themselves in confrontational situations.
3.
Improving the Wellbeing and Confidence of Healthcare Staff
The physical and emotional toll of experiencing violence and aggression on the job can be severe and long-lasting. The 2022 NHS Staff Survey revealed violent attacks contributed to 44.8% of staff feeling unwell as a result of work-related stress. Body cameras provide a discreet layer of support and can provide a sense of security and confidence for healthcare workers, helping to improve their overall well-being. In a survey of NHS Trusts currently using the Calla body camera, 100% of participants agreed that wellbeing has improved as a
result of using body-worn cameras.
4.
Capturing First-Hand Video and Audio Recordings
Body-worn video captures audio and visual recordings in far greater detail than traditional CCTV. This provides increased transparency and accountability and offers valuable and accurate evidence in case of aggressive behaviour or other incidents. Furthermore, it increases the chance of conviction and minimises the need for lengthy reports and court proceedings. The Essex Partnership University Trust revealed that evidence captured on the Calla body camera has so far led to the successful prosecution of five cases.
5.
Enhancing Training and Learning for Healthcare Staff
Reviewing footage of past incidents provides a valuable learning resource by helping healthcare staff to understand and identify triggers of aggression. It can also help improve conflict management training so that staff are adequately prepared to approach similar situations safely in the future.
6.
Improving Patient Satisfaction
Body-worn cameras can help hold healthcare professionals accountable for their actions and create a safer and more professional healthcare environment, which can lead to improved patient care, patient satisfaction and trust in the healthcare system.
7.
Reducing Liability
The use of body-worn cameras within healthcare settings can help to protect healthcare workers from false accusations and reduce the risk of legal disputes by increasing transparency and providing a clear record of events.
8.
Enhancing Security
In addition to deterring violence and aggression, body cameras help add an additional layer of support to existing security systems by capturing footage from the point of view of the caregiver. This allows for video recording in areas not covered by traditional CCTV.
9.
Improving Staff Retention & Attendance at Work
The strain of constant abuse and fear of physical violence is causing many healthcare workers to consider leaving their jobs. The Royal College of Nursing Employment Survey 2021 revealed this was the case for 60% of respondents, indicating worryingly low levels of morale in NHS acute settings. Equipping staff with body-worn cameras ensures they are always supported and have the tools necessary to deter conflict and feel confident and safe at work. In a survey of NHS Trusts currently using the Calla body camera, 75% of participants agreed that morale among staff has improved as a result of using the camera.
10.
Improving Incident Reporting
Body-worn cameras not only de-escalate violence, but if healthcare staff are faced with an aggressive patient or visitor, they provide essential evidence. This evidence presents an independent account of events that reduce time-consuming interviews with staff and speed up the incident reporting procedure to the authorities. The compelling evidence captured with body-worn cameras often means that a resolution (or conviction) is found promptly without unnecessary staff interrogation. In turn, this helps build better relationships between healthcare providers and the authorities.
Learn more about our body cameras for healthcare or download the article to share with your team.