For care professionals within a tense environment, the concern of personal safety should be non-existent. Sadly, this is no longer the case. Grappling with staffing constraints, minimal resources, and an overall influx of responsibilities makes the day-to-day duty of care difficult for many. In addition to the rise in safety issues, particularly prevalent for home care professionals, this surge contributes to burnout, instills fear, and generates dissatisfaction among caregivers. These factors impact the quality of care and diminish the overall job satisfaction for caregivers. Clinician peace of mind is an essential, and often overlooked factor; as concern continues to grow, providers can no longer ignore this essential provision. The solution lies in KATANA Safety, a pioneering force in personal safety solutions, dedicated to tackling the mounting risks clinicians face within the post-acute care sector during home visits. KATANA revolves around providing innovative tools and technologies that empower individuals to navigate potentially hazardous situations with confidence all through the omnipresence of the individual’s smartphone. The KATANA solution empowers workers to feel confident, connected, and in control in any situation that may arise.
In the context of home healthcare, clinicians encounter various dangers—ranging from hostile environments to unpredictable circumstances—that jeopardize their safety and ability to deliver effective care. Addressing these safety concerns is paramount, not only for the well-being of the healthcare professionals but also for the quality of care provided to patients. Ignoring these risks impedes healthcare access and compromises the overall efficiency of the post-acute care system.
The Perils of Post-Acute Care Visits
Safety concerns are always an issue that remains present in the minds of clinicians and caregivers conducting home visits in an unfamiliar environment. Dangerous and unpredictable environments are common in the post-acute world, the worst of which being horrific tragedies like that of Doug Brant.3 Brant was a practicing home health clinician who tragically fell victim to fatal violence during a home visit. Although this tragedy is an extreme case of violence, these alarming scenarios have continued to grow, leaving these often-unprotected clinicians in a tense situation that requires intervention.
The frequency of violence and safety hazards encountered by clinicians during home visits has alarmingly surged, substantiated by recent studies and national news showcasing concerning incidents. According to a report by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, workers in the healthcare industry are five times more likely to experience workplace violence compared to all other industries.2 This already alarming number has only grown. From 2011 to 2018 the rate of injuries from violent attacks grew by 63%, and throughout 2020 the COVID pandemic further intensified this problem, finding the number of reported attacks more than doubling in the care industry.1 Additionally, news articles have shed light on tragic real-life instances, like Doug Brant, where healthcare professionals have faced perilous situations, from physical assaults to confrontations with individuals exhibiting aggressive behavior during home visits. These incidents underscore the common risks and threats clinicians routinely navigate, including exposure to unsafe neighborhoods, encountering volatile family members, threats of gun violence, mental health crises, and the general threat of unfamiliar environments with inadequate security measures in place. Tragic instances of violence, paired with these alarming statistics create a tense environment for these essential professionals that struggle to maintain their passion in providing comprehensive care. As these conditions continue to persist, the time is now to protect your team and ensure quality care remains safe and accessible for all.
KATANA Safety: The Solution for Clinicians’ Safety
KATANA Safety’s cutting-edge “Never a Lone Worker” personal security solution stands as a remarkable safety asset, integrating a distinctive help button and a dedicated 24/7 response center specifically designed to safeguard clinicians during their home visits. This innovative safeguard isn’t just an accessory; it’s a comprehensive safety system engineered to ensure immediate assistance at the touch of a button. The 24/7 response center acts as a pivotal element, providing rapid aid whenever a clinician faces an escalating situation, connecting them swiftly to trained professionals capable of coordinating emergency responses or interventions. This efficient solution protects clinicians through the push of a button, swiftly summoning assistance, subsequently averting potentially hazardous situations, and ensuring their safety while continuing to provide essential care to patients.
The Advantages of Implementing KATANA
Integrating KATANA Safety solutions clearly aligns with the paramount responsibility of post-acute care agencies to prioritize and uphold clinician safety. By investing in KATANA, agencies demonstrate their commitment to fulfilling the duty of care owed to their healthcare professionals. The implementation of this innovative safety system not only fortifies the security measures for clinicians during home visits but also presents a cost-effective strategy when compared to potential risks and liabilities that may arise from untoward incidents. Agencies leveraging KATANA can significantly mitigate the financial repercussions associated with safety-related incidents, such as legal liabilities, medical expenses, and workforce disruptions. Moreover, the adoption of KATANA contributes to bolstering retention rates within agencies, as healthcare professionals feel supported and valued, fostering a supportive work environment that prioritizes safety and well-being. This, in turn, leads to increased job satisfaction and loyalty among clinicians, ultimately benefiting the agency’s stability and operational efficiency.
Caring for Those Who Care
Throughout the ongoing battle for personal safety within the post-acute care industry, the time is now to protect your clinicians and streamline the ongoing availability of quality care. Using the omnipresence of individual smartphones, KATANA puts around-the-clock connection and access to safety in the palm of your clinician’s hands. With direct location tracking, instant alert systems, and emergency-ready response features, KATANA re-establishes a stable environment for caregivers to act without fear. As the post-acute industry continues to grow in demand, so does the possibility of threats against professionals; with KATANA, your agency is empowered to take the necessary steps in caring for your invaluable caregivers. If you are interested in the transformative security KATANA provides, book a demo today.
Resources
1. Byon, Ha Do. “Crossing the Threshold: Violence Against Home-Visiting Nurses.” Stat News, January 12, 2021. https://www.statnews.com/2021/01/12/crossing-the-threshold-violence-against-home-visiting-nurses/
2. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Injuries, Illnesses, and Fatalities.” Accessed December 5, 2023. https://www.bls.gov/iif/home.htm.
3. https://www.wsna.org/news/2023/douglas-brant