One study published by the National Library of Medicine provides that healthcare workers account for 73% of all nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses due to violence. The rising violence against healthcare organizations is a point of concern for the sector leaving organizations responsible for implementing measures to ensure their staff remains protected.
The threat of rising violence in healthcare
Healthcare workers are increasingly vulnerable to both physical and psychological violence due to high stress environments they work in. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 38% of healthcare workers experience physical violence at some point in their careers and many more are exposed to verbal aggression.
The 2019 Healthcare Crime Survey from the International Association for Healthcare Security and Safety Foundation (IAHSSF) reported an increase in assault rates against healthcare workers, rising from 9.3 incidents per 100 beds in 2016 to 11.7 per 100 beds in 2018. The risk is particularly high in emergency departments and psychiatric settings where workers are exposed to more volatile situations. The fear of retaliation and concerns about the lack of supervisory support prevents many workers from reporting incidents.
How email helps navigate the threat
Email assists with navigating the threat of violence to healthcare workers in several ways. From a management perspective, it allows for the distribution of educational material and training modules easily. Regular communication of how to navigate potential threats and the methods of deescalation help workers avoid outcomes where they or others are physically injured.
Email also assists with the low rates of incident reporting previously mentioned by providing a method for workers to fully report incidents. Organizations can create email accounts tailored to receiving and responding to incidents with specific staff accessing the information. The availability of a discreet method of reporting allows organizations to feel supported while benefitting from a more vigilant workplace.
Using email in a way that remains secure
The first step to ensuring emails sent in a healthcare setting remain secure is the use of HIPAA compliant email platforms. Paubox offers a secure solution that easily encrypts protected health information (PHI) transmitted.
Create detailed policies and procedures outlining how staff should report incidents and how to respond to requests for further explanation relating to the incident.
Ensure access controls are in place. Specific employees should have access to the PHI and the incident reports through email (which might contain patient information as well).
Provide training modules frequently and use email integration with productivity software to set deadlines and training goals.
Related: Top 12 HIPAA compliant email services
FAQs
What is HIPAA?
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act is a law that protects PHI and sets the rules for how healthcare providers and other covered entities handle and share it.
What makes an email HIPAA compliant?
The platform used to send the email has:
- Encryption
- Access controls
- A Business Associate Agreement in place
- Audited email activity
- Automatic logoff
What is the recommended form of encryption?
Strong encryption protocols like transport layer security (TLS) 1.2 or higher for emails in transit.
Kirsten Peremore
