Access control systems in hospitals

ACCESS CONTROL IN HOSPITALS

When an access control system is effective, it allows staff to give their best, from both a personal and a professional point of view, and ensures peace of mind and privacy for patients

CISA took part, as an educational sponsor, in the preparation of a white paper for the journal Tecnica Ospedaliera (Tecniche Nuove S.p.A. publishing group) entitled SMART SOLUTIONS FOR ACCESS CONTROL AND FLOW MANAGEMENT - A GUIDE FOR HEALTHCARE FACILITIES.

You can download a free copy of the white paper (in ITALIAN) by filling out the form at the bottom of the page.

In hospitals, as in any healthcare facility, security is a given. Its aim is to minimise risks using technical, operational and organisational solutions designed to maintain certain standards over time and in every situation.

Of the many aspects of security, access control is common to all areas and, when the flow of people and movement of individuals within the facilities are managed properly, it plays a key role in protecting people and assets.

SECURITY AND FLOW MANAGEMENT

Surveillance of entries and exits to buildings and departments, identification of people and granting/denying access to specific areas and rooms are normally the responsibility of personnel who, depending on their respective duties, have the necessary credentials.

These tasks are of the utmost importance, not just for the regular running of the facility but for guaranteeing the safety of any medical centre on a day-to-day basis.

Here are some examples of where access control is important:

ensuring correct flow of outpatients and visitors within the facility;
organising orderly access of patients to a clinic or diagnostic room;
limiting access to a department's medicine cabinets;
controlling the movement of patients suffering from psychiatric and neurocognitive disorders, including the improper use of emergency exits;
facilitating the use of escape routes in an emergency.

OBJECTIVES AND RESULTS

The number of case studies is extremely broad and the objectives of adopting an adequate access control system are specific to each individual healthcare facility.

Safety e Security nelle strutture ospedaliere

The first objective is undoubtedly to increase the general level of safety, in terms of “safety” (protecting a person’s physical safety) and “security” (risk prevention for sites and activities), with significant advantages for security managers.

The second objective is to simplify repetitive tasks and drastically reduce unexpected events, so staff can focus on their professional tasks and the facility can make significant time and cost savings.

Last but not least is the perception of the healthcare facility as a safe place by patients and visitors - which is directly influenced by the presence of strangers and the behaviour of the healthcare workers – which goes a long way towards improving patients’ moods.

INTEGRATED TECHNOLOGIES

Modern access control systems combine a variety of technologies: mechanical (locks, security cylinders, etc.), electrical (automatic doors, barriers, gates, etc.) and electronic (badge readers and biometric scanners, management software, smartphone apps, cards, etc.).

These technologies are certified at national and international level and developed to be integrated into the other systems in the buildings in a coordinated and flexible manner. Not only do they guarantee functionality and efficiency, they also allow for upgrading and scalability of the security system as the healthcare facility grows.

The technologies are developed and customised by teams of professional experts who are coordinated by a single point of contact for each client. Highly qualified technical support is available, helping ensure the timescale for the return on the investment is respected.

In the most advanced versions, access control offers facility managers a powerful, integrated and flexible tool for planning and scheduling activities in relation to objectives of efficiency and management savings.

Complete the form to download the white paper free of charge:

SMART SOLUTIONS FOR ACCESS CONTROL AND FLOW MANAGEMENT
A GUIDE FOR HEALTHCARE FACILITIES

Soluzioni intelligenti per il controllo dei varchi e la gestione dei flussi