Effective Applications for Video Analytics in Healthcare to Monitor Both Facilities and Patients

video analytics healthcare facility Maryland

Ensuring the safety and security of patients, staff, and facilities is more critical than ever in healthcare settings. Having staff manually monitor camera feeds is not only an error-prone process but also limits the power of surveillance to prevent incidents.

Fortunately, intelligent video analytics can help. Video analytics use software that works with surveillance equipment and empowers healthcare facilities to take a proactive approach to security and operations management for improved patient care.

A Proactive Approach to Security for Streamlined Operations

Intelligent video analytics take surveillance technology a step further. Instead of simply recording footage for review, analytics deliver real-time analysis of video. This means healthcare facilities can instantly detect a wide range of scenarios that may require immediate attention.

From unauthorized access attempts to patient wandering, video analytics provides real-time alerts that allow staff to respond quickly and appropriately to manage issues and improve safety. As such, healthcare facilities can operate more smoothly, reducing the time spent dealing with incidents and enhancing patient safety and care [1].

Enhanced Emergency Response

In critical situations, every second counts. Video analytics can quickly identify potential emergencies and alert staff, significantly improving response times and potentially saving lives. 

For example, video analytics can be configured to identify:

  • Broken glass
  • Gunshots
  • Potential weapons
  • Raised voices
  • Slips and falls
  • Smoke and fire

By integrating analytics with surveillance and audio, healthcare facilities improve their situational awareness and shorten emergency response times for better outcomes.

Increase Patient Safety

Video analytics can protect vulnerable patients by detecting slips, falls, wandering, or other potentially dangerous situations, allowing for immediate intervention [2].

When combined with thermal imaging, analytics protect patient privacy while still altering staff to an emergency, such as when a vulnerable patient has fallen.

With analytics, healthcare facilities can also quickly scan video feeds to locate missing patients or children, reducing search times and increasing the likelihood of a positive outcome.

Protect Restricted or Critical Areas

Hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities have restricted areas, such as storage rooms with supplies or medication, where unauthorized access is prohibited. Analytics allows these facilities to maintain the integrity of sensitive locations and provides invaluable evidence for incident review.

Analytics also make it easier for staff to keep critical areas clear. For example, entrances, exits, drop-off zones, and ambulance bays need to be kept clear for patient and staff access. By alerting staff to congestion or loitering in these areas, facilities can prevent obstructions that could cause serious delays in patient care [3].

Optimize Cleaning Schedules

Video analytics play another important role in healthcare facilities—helping maintain cleanliness.

By leveraging data from video analytics, healthcare practices can optimize cleaning schedules and maintain a hygienic environment. For instance, video analytics can automatically count the number of people entering a space, such as a restroom, and alert staff when cleaning may be necessary.

These facilities can also leverage analytics to detect areas requiring prompt cleaning, such as hallways or rooms with spills or debris, that can impact operations and patient safety.

Accelerate Post-Incident Investigations

The power of video analytics extends beyond real-time monitoring. While intelligent analytics are an excellent proactive tool, the technology also allows for efficient post-event review, making it easier to investigate incidents, improve protocols, and provide valuable evidence when needed.

Rather than having staff manually review footage—a time-consuming and error-prone process—security or management can automatically search video for specific people, objects, or occurrences, streamlining the incident review process.

Learn More About Video Analytics for Healthcare

Ready to take your healthcare facility’s security to the next level? Contact Surveillance Secure today at (877) 388-1248 to learn how our cutting-edge intelligent video analytics solutions can transform your approach to security and patient care. Our expert team will work with you to design and implement a customized system that meets your unique needs.

Sources:

  1. https://www.securityinfowatch.com/video-surveillance/video-analytics/article/53095368/beyond-surveillance-the-evolving-face-of-video-analytics
  2. https://www.healthcareitnews.com/news/healthcare-facilities-are-deploying-intelligent-video-surveillance-solutions-help-improve
  3. https://digitaledition.securitymagazine.com/november-2021/analytics-in-healthcare-feature/ 
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