SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Improving the Perception of Workplace Safety With Proactive Rounding

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This quality improvement initiative addressed workplace violence (WPV) and staff perceptions of safety on a general medicine unit at Mount Sinai Beth Israel. Healthcare workers are at much higher risk of WPV than other professionals, and common consequences include stress, low morale, and turnover. Because most hospitals rely on reactive security responses, the team tested a proactive approach.<br /><br />Before the intervention, surveys of staff registered nurses and patient care assistants showed that many had experienced verbal, physical, or sexual threats or assault, and about one-third felt unsupported by security. The pilot intervention used Plan-Do-Study-Act methods and included proactive security rounding twice per shift plus informal huddles with the charge nurse. It was implemented over two weeks on the night shift without added cost.<br /><br />Results suggested improved perceptions of safety. Eighty percent of unit staff agreed or strongly agreed that proactive rounding by security was reassuring, and a reduction in negative emotions among staff was observed. All unit staff surveyed supported continuing the pilot. Among security personnel, 92% agreed or strongly agreed that proactive rounding could reassure staff, and they were willing to continue. Both staff and security believed the strategy could help reduce WPV incidents.<br /><br />Overall, the project found that partnering with security for proactive rounding and team huddles was feasible, well received, and may improve the perception of workplace safety. The next step is to expand the pilot to the day shift and measure its effect on actual WPV events.

Asset Subtitle

Jeremy A. Quentzel

Meta Tag

Author List Jeremy A. Quentzel, Patrice Alexandre, Patricia Dharapak, Steven Daoud

Category Innovations

Concept Workplace Violence

Concept Proactive Rounding

Concept Security Rounding

Concept Healthcare Staff Morale

Concept Stress

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization Mount Sinai Morningside West

Presenting Author Jeremy A. Quentzel

Track Quality Improvement

Keywords

workplace violence

staff safety

proactive security rounding

hospital quality improvement

healthcare workers

patient care assistants

registered nurses

Plan-Do-Study-Act

security huddles

perception of safety

Workplace Violence

Proactive Rounding

Security Rounding

Healthcare Staff Morale

Stress