Introduction
In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, the safety and well-being of both patients and professionals remain paramount. The research article titled "Rehabilitation professionals’ perspectives and experiences with the use of technologies for violence prevention: a qualitative study" sheds light on the critical role of technology in violence prevention within rehabilitation settings. This blog aims to distill the findings of the study, providing practitioners with actionable insights to enhance their skills and encourage further research in this domain.
Understanding the Study
The study conducted by Grigorovich et al. (2023) explored the perceptions and experiences of rehabilitation professionals regarding the use of technologies for violence prevention. The qualitative research involved semi-structured interviews with ten diverse professionals from a rehabilitation hospital. The key technologies examined included electronic patient flagging systems, emergency alarms, and cameras.
Key Findings
- Electronic Patient Flagging Systems: These systems were found to be largely ineffective due to poor visibility and integration within the electronic patient record. Practitioners often relied on informal communication channels to identify at-risk patients.
- Emergency Alarms: Fixed and portable emergency alarms were criticized for their accessibility issues and delayed response times. Personal alarms, while more accessible, were often cumbersome and underutilized.
- Cameras: CCTV cameras were not perceived as effective for real-time violence prevention. Their utility was limited to post-incident analysis, which was rarely accessed due to procedural hurdles.
Implications for Practice
For rehabilitation professionals, the study highlights the need for a paradigm shift in how technologies are implemented and utilized for violence prevention. Here are some practical steps to consider:
- Enhance Visibility and Integration: Advocate for better integration of flagging systems within electronic health records, ensuring that alerts are prominent and actionable.
- Streamline Emergency Response: Work with facility management to address accessibility issues with emergency alarms and explore the feasibility of lightweight, wearable personal alarms.
- Leverage Technology for Training: Use video footage from cameras for training purposes, helping staff recognize early signs of aggression and effective de-escalation techniques.
Encouraging Further Research
The study underscores the importance of addressing structural factors in violence prevention. Practitioners are encouraged to engage in further research to explore innovative technological solutions that consider the organizational culture and physical environment of rehabilitation settings.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Rehabilitation professionals’ perspectives and experiences with the use of technologies for violence prevention: a qualitative study.
