White Paper

White Paper

MTKG 220

According to the National Crime Victimization Survey, mental healthcare workers experience the highest rate of assaults in the healthcare sector (Ekahau). Versus Technology Inc. has created a mobile call button designed to increase staff member’s safety by giving them the ability to call for help from anywhere at any time. The button is designed to get staff immediate help, and has created an entirely new line of communication among staff members. Lastly, it eliminates the need for overstaffing when a unit has difficult patients, ultimately saving the company money. The Visibility Staff Assist button has created a safer work environment for mental healthcare workers, and in turn, have created an environment in which mentally ill patients can thrive.

A recent article in the Journal of Innovations in Clinical Neuroscience determined it is impossible to implement any fail-proof violence prevention training within psychiatric facilities (Ekahau). Unfortunately, this means it is necessary to look beyond staff training for a solution. While a panic button does not completely solve the problem, it greatly decreases the chance of serious injuries to both staff members and patients. It also allows staff members to call for help in high risk situations where the staff member simply cannot get out of the patient’s room or even the patient’s grasp. Having an additional resource on an employee’s uniform could easily save their life.

Versus Technology has changed the way healthcare providers think of safety. Not only does the panic button allow staff members to call for help when they are in a physical altercation, but also gives providers the ability to call for additional help with patient care. If a patient has fallen or cannot be left alone, backup staff members can quickly react. The button also allows doctors and nurses to locate each other if time sensitive information needs to be shared. The button increases communication...