Preferences of healthcare workers for security personnel to prevent occupational violence: A discrete choice experiment

Abstract

Background: Occupational violence against healthcare workers is increasing worldwide. The role of security personnel in healthcare settings is critical, yet little is known about the attributes of security personnel that are most important to healthcare workers. Objective: This study seeks to identify the preferred attributes of security personnel from the healthcare professional's perspective. Methods: An online survey was administered to a representative sample of healthcare staff including health service managers, clinicians, and nurses at Metro North Hospital and Health Service in Queensland, Australia. We employed a convenience sampling method where the survey link was emailed to 780 healthcare staff members, and 179 participants responded. Using the Discrete Choice Experiment methodology, this study quantified individuals’ preferences. It explored several attributes of security personnel, including skills, uniform presence, coverage location, availability, level of professional development, and whether the security personnel are integrated within the clinical team. Results: Healthcare workers showed a strong preference for security personnel possessing interpersonal skills. They favoured personnel located within specific wards or units, available round-the-clock (24/7), and being embedded within the clinical team. Further, they strongly preferred personnel who have undergone extended training in professional development. Interestingly, the presence or absence of a security uniform did not have an impact on their preferences. Conclusion: The results of this study offer insights into the optimal attributes of security personnel from a healthcare workers’ perspective. Future violence prevention strategies can be designed taking into consideration these preferred attributes of security personnel, thus increasing the likelihood of their acceptance and success among healthcare professionals.