Tuesday 18 February 2025 - Thought Leadership

Case Study: Enhancing Safety in Healthcare Facilities

Introduction

In the healthcare sector, workplace violence and other threatening disruptive behavior can take a significant toll on healthcare workers, both physically and emotionally. Tokio Marine HCC - Specialty Group has been at the forefront of helping healthcare facilities prepare for and respond to such incidents.

 
Prevention

An active assailant event at a healthcare facility presents unique operational challenges. Medical professionals may face difficult decisions about protecting patients and visitors, especially those with limited mobility. Tokio Marine HCC - Specialty Group, in collaboration with Unity Advisory Group, assists healthcare professionals by developing comprehensive response plans, running realistic drills, and educating staff on the behavioral indicators of potentially violent situations.

Key Prevention Strategies:
  • Developing Response Plans: Unity Advisory Group can work closely with healthcare facilities to create tailored response plans that address the specific needs and challenges of each facility. These plans include detailed protocols for various scenarios, ensuring that staff are well-prepared to handle any situation that may arise.
  • Running Drills: Regular drills should be conducted to simulate potential violent situations. These drills help staff practice their response, identify any weaknesses in the plan, and make necessary adjustments. By engaging in these realistic simulations, healthcare professionals gain confidence and competence in handling real-life incidents.
  • Educating Staff: Education is a critical component of prevention. Unity Advisory Group can provide training sessions to educate staff on recognizing the behavioral indicators of potentially violent individuals. This proactive approach enables staff to identify and address potential threats before they escalate into violent incidents.
Crisis

A tragic example of such an event is the 2022 Tulsa Medical Building Shooting in Oklahoma, United States, where four people lost their lives, including three hospital staff members. Despite existing security procedures, the assailant was able to enter the building and cause harm.

Post-Incident Services

Tokio Marine HCC Specialty Group, together with Unity, provides comprehensive post-incident services to support healthcare facilities in the aftermath of such events. These services include:

  • Crisis communications and media response
  • Victim family support
  • Welfare of employees and others affected by the event
  • Short and longer-term business continuity and reputational concerns
  • Assistance during law enforcement investigations, internal inquiries, and the return to normality
  • After-action review and recommendations
Conclusion

The proactive approach of TMHCC – Specialty Group, in partnership with Unity, to prevention, crisis management, and post-incident support helps healthcare facilities navigate the complexities of workplace violence and ensures the safety and well-being of their staff and patients.

Contact:
Danielle Bouchard
Senior Vice President, Crisis Management
[email protected]