Security Changes Coming in Hospitals?
The recent shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson has reignited conversations around security protocols within hospitals and health systems. Hospitals have long prioritized patient safety, but the safety of executives, staff, and visitors is now drawing heightened attention. This event underscores the need for hospitals to reevaluate how they manage access to both public and administrative areas.
One key focus will likely be on restricting open access, affecting visitors/families. Hospitals are inherently open environments, designed to welcome patients and their families. However, this openness presents security vulnerabilities. Health systems may increase the use of visitor management systems that require identification, check-ins, and badges to control movement within the facility. Some hospitals may introduce "restricted zones" where only authorized personnel are allowed, with physical barriers, electronic keycard access, or even biometric controls.
While these measures aim to enhance security, they can also have unintended consequences for patients and their families. Studies have shown that family presence positively impacts patient recovery and mental well-being. According to a 2018 study published in the Journal of Patient Experience, patients with family support during hospital stays report higher satisfaction and better emotional outcomes. Limiting visitor access could disrupt this support system, potentially affecting patient health and slowing recovery times. This effect was heightened so much during the pandemic as healthcare facilities were so restricted, even to spouses and children, having a enormous mental and emotional effect on both patients and families.
Hospitals will need to balance security needs with the therapeutic benefits of family presence, perhaps by offering scheduled visitation times or designated family areas within facilities.
Executive leadership office suites are also expected to face new security measures. Many health systems have already moved these offices out of high-visibility areas, recognizing that ground-level, easily accessible offices pose an unnecessary security risk. Today, it's not uncommon for executive suites to be located in non-public zones or even in offsite administrative buildings.
This trend may accelerate as the need for discrete, secure workspaces becomes more apparent.
Additionally, hospitals may review their crisis response protocols. Active shooter drills, emergency communication systems, and rapid lockdown procedures could become standard practice, much like fire drills. Hospitals will also be forced to consider how security investments impact their operating budgets, especially in nonprofit systems with limited funds.
While hospitals cannot completely eliminate risk, they can take steps to minimize it. By controlling access, enhancing executive protection, and reinforcing emergency response plans, health systems can better protect their employees, patients, and visitors. The shooting of a prominent executive like Brian Thompson may serve as a wake-up call, driving a broader industry shift toward a more security-conscious environment.
