These challenges remain top of mind in the healthcare security space. 

Healthcare organizations face a unique set of challenges in both the physical security and cybersecurity realms. With large volumes of people entering and exiting facilities in any given day and with potential concerns regarding data as well as physical security, the variables involved in keeping all staff, patients, assets, and data secure are numerous. These are a few of the foremost challenges healthcare security systems face, as well as options for overcoming these challenges. 

Labor Shortages

One of the most difficult challenges facing the healthcare industry is the labor shortage. While the healthcare industry is not unique in facing this problem, the implications can quickly become very serious in this space. Security teams are often short-staffed, on top of healthcare professionals like doctors and nurses running low on personnel. This can lead to more frustrated patients and families, on top of a barebones security team — a dicey combination. 

A common solution in physical security to address fewer available security staff is migrating to hosted security systems. With video surveillance and access control capabilities available through the cloud, remote monitoring becomes more accessible to security teams, meaning less need for duplicate roles throughout various locations or in large facilities. This can free up security personnel for emergency response while also allowing diligent, uninterrupted monitoring of cameras and critical access points. 

Large Facilities and High Traffic

While smaller practices and clinics are more likely to see smooth implementation of security systems, larger hospitals and medical campuses face additional challenges when it comes to physical security. Being spread over a wide physical area means more access points, more spaces to monitor, and increased difficulty of communication. In addition, facilities like large hospitals are likely to see thousands of people coming and going in any given week, on top of a large staff of medical professionals, building maintenance professionals, and security personnel. Without proper security measures, it’s all too easy for gaps to develop and leave staff, patients, and data vulnerable. 

In addition to using cloud solutions to monitor multiple areas at once, there are a few other key considerations for securing a large and heavily trafficked space. One consideration is a widespread communication system. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for healthcare professionals to experience violence from patients and families. Having a fast and reliable way for anyone in the hospital to contact the security team and receive help is crucial. In addition, video monitoring systems can integrate AI capabilities in order to leverage facial recognition data and accurately pinpoint the movements of security threats throughout the building. Using integrations into access control systems, these AI capabilities can also be leveraged as a preventative measure for high-security areas. 

Wide Variety of Security Needs

Healthcare facilities like hospitals, on top of being physically large, also generally consist of many different security levels. While lobbies and entryways are usually open to the general public, spaces like operating rooms need higher levels of security, and rooms that house medical equipment and drugs as well as highly sensitive data need to be particularly secure. Cybersecurity and physical security must work in conjunction in order to protect the health data of all patients, which is unfortunately very commonly stolen. On top of all this, the pandemic brought about the necessity for health screenings, even in more loosely secured areas. 

The fact that each and every space requires its own level of surveillance and security calls for highly customized solutions and a fully integrated security system. Solutions such as biometric credentials for highly sensitive spaces, facial recognition in video monitoring, and integrations with HR systems to determine security clearance can all contribute to a differentiated and strategic approach to securing every space to the degree needed. 

There is no “one size fits all” when it comes to healthcare security. Fully customized security solutions can help healthcare organizations integrate their access control and video monitoring protocols with their HR systems and cybersecurity measures in order to create a seamless and reliable security solution. To begin designing a security system that keeps patients, professionals, assets, and data safe, get in touch with us today.