Today, security is more important than ever for every workplace, especially those open to the public. Employees and visitors need to feel safe, regardless of the type of environment they will be entering. Hospital and vulnerable medical care patients especially need to feel secure. With the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic, the rules for entering healthcare facilities were strengthened through stricter policies.
Hospitals and clinics tend to be high-density locations and are labeled ‘soft targets’ for security purposes. Due to public accessibility, numerous access points, and limited security staff, healthcare facilities are easily targeted.
Undesirable and unauthorized visitors, threats of violence, sensitive data breaches, pharmaceutical theft, and theft in general are all potential risks in a hospital or clinical setting. Healthcare facility administrators are challenged to balance the needs of various groups, including patients and employees, data, expensive equipment, and personal property. Access control is an essential tool and first line of defense in resolving many principal security concerns for healthcare centers.
Security challenges
Attempting to provide security for healthcare facilities takes time and effort. There are often no specific working hours. Hospitals are open to the public 24/7. These facilities contain items and equipment that need protection from employee and patient valuables to expensive equipment to prescription drugs. All these items need to be protected from theft.
Numerous entrance and exit points add to security challenges due to unauthorized access, potential infant abduction, or patient elopement. Inhouse pharmacies, business offices, and sensitive data storage further complicate security needs. Healthcare sector administrators protect people, assets, and sensitive data while maintaining a welcoming environment.
Specific healthcare areas feature increased vulnerability due to access and the type of services they render, such as emergency care rooms, pediatrics, labor and delivery departments, detox services, behavioral services, and pharmacies.
Access control for layered security solutions
Layered security with multiple barriers is designed to delay the damage an intruder or attacker can cause as long as possible. Protection begins with the property perimeter but includes building entry points such as windows, doors, or openings, authorized and unauthorized visitors, public and patient areas, and susceptible areas that store narcotics, hazardous materials, and sensitive personal information.
Each situation involves a different group of people with other access rights, hence the need for a comprehensive access control system that complies with regulatory oversight.
Access control system tools
Comprehensive access control systems feature a variety of security tools, including keypads, gates, smart locks, smart cards, digital credentials and fobs, security cameras, smart locks, and biometric recognition to control physical access within healthcare structures per an individual’s role in the organization. Similar to enhancing your home’s security, healthcare facilities can benefit greatly from adding smart devices throughout the property. Smart locks and security cameras allow you to be connected to your property at all times while keeping it secure.
Automatic vehicle plate recognition
Vehicle recognition access can be installed at a facility’s outer perimeter and parking location to control traffic flow, guarantee parking spaces, speed up entrances and exits, and increase external perimeter security 24/7. Vehicle recognition can be beneficial for ambulances to facilitate entry and prevent other vehicles from obstructing entrance passages.
Biometrics
Access control systems that utilize biometrics integrate an individual’s unique facial characteristics into the system so they are identified and allowed access when viewed by the system’s camera. Other methods include fingerprint scans and retinal scans. Biometrics are used for entrance identification and patient identification, limiting entry to specific areas, and keeping sensitive information confidential. Biometrics are indicated for areas with high-security needs.
CCTV and security cameras
Video surveillance allows for real-time identification of staff, patients, or visitors. Blind spots are eliminated.
Digital credentials
For smartphones and mobile devices, digital credentials can be sent to staff and patients. These credentials are contactless, can be programmed for a specific period, and can be revoked at any moment or substituted easily.
ID badges
ID badges are a contactless option for access control. Staff use their ID badge for access to the facility and specific areas within the facility. This access tool is limited to employees and service personnel and, when lost, will need to be removed from the system temporarily and replaced.
Key fobs
Key fobs also permit contactless entry. These small devices can be placed on key chains or similar to access doors, gates, or barriers by scanning them on a reader.
Smart locks
Wireless locking systems are ideal as they protect people within a structure, and these locks are controllable by authorized devices. With an intelligent locking system, administrators can make quick decisions to protect people within facilities in an emergency.
These systems allow continuous monitoring and remote management, including alerts. The touch of a button will lock doors. Systems will log both successful access and unsuccessful attempts at entry.
Visitor management system
Access control permits visitor management by keeping visitors in specific areas. Entry is authorized based on credentials.
Final thoughts
Healthcare settings can be challenging where security is concerned. New technology through access control can save time, increase a facility’s safety, and permit improved control of who enters and exits a healthcare structure. Each system will only fulfill the needs of some healthcare facilities. Still, thanks to a wide selection of technological tools, access control systems can be customized for specific location needs and budgets.
