Environmental Walk-Through Assessments of Seven Emergency Departments for the Prevention of Workplace Violence.

Abstract

We assessed the environmental design elements of workplace violence (WPV) prevention in emergency department (ED) settings using a Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) framework. We identified opportunities for improvement in the design of future ED settings. A case-study design was used to conduct environmental walk-through assessments across 7 EDs. Security plans and committees lacked ED representation. Positive environmental design elements included good interior lighting and the use of closed-circuit television cameras. Opportunities for improvement included separating parking structures for employees from patients/visitors, locking all access points into treatment areas, frequent security patrols, and security response to all panic button activations. EDs require enhanced security and safety measures. The CPTED framework offers a promising approach to preventing WPV. Adopting positive environmental changes can mitigate the risk of WPV.