Healthcare workers face daily safety risks. Hazards include moving patients, exposure to infectious disease, needle sticks, slips, falls and, combative patients. These risks, complicated by clinical fatigue and burnout on the job, have serious safety implications for both staff and patients. According to a 2011 Occupational Health and Safety Agency (OSHA) report, employees suffered 253,700 work-related injuries and illnesses in hospitals. This equals a rate of 6.8 injuries and illnesses for every 100 full time employees.
There are several digital technologies that can help mitigate the risks. Electronic health records (EHRs) play a key role in staff safety by providing valuable patient information (e.g., level of infectiousness, aggressive behavior, mobility problems), which staff can review in advance. Technology that provides location information on staff, patients, and equipment can also support staff safety by helping healthcare workers quickly locate patients and/or staff in duress and find the medical equipment required to address the situation. Additionally, tools that assess staff burnout provide opportunities to minimize errors and maximize wellness.
