Hospital security guard's well-being and repeated exposure to personal threats in the workplace: a qualitative study in an Australian hospital

Abstract

Purpose

This study aimed to understand the effect of repeated exposure to personal threats on hospital security guards' well-being.

Design/methodology/approach

A single site, qualitative study using a convenience sampling approach to recruit hospital security guards who attend code black (staff, patient or visitor exposed to a personal threat) calls.

Findings

Five interviews were held with eight hospital security guards. Seven of the eight participants were male. Seven were Caucasian. All had extensive experience in the industry. Six consistent themes emerged from the data covering well-being, coping and support; concerns about physical safety; compassion and compassion fatigue; effective communication is crucial; role/s; and training and equipment.

Research limitations/implications

This study used a convenient sampling approach to recruit security guards from one acute hospital in Australia, limiting the applicability of the findings to other contexts. Although the majority of hospital security guards were interviewed, the format of interviews varied between one-to-one interviews and focus groups, based on the availability of guards to participate and attend.

Practical implications

We recommend that the role of the hospital security guard in Code black situations is documented in policy and practice documents, and articulated in multidisciplinary aggression management training. There should be clear statements on the importance of strong communication and clinical leadership in code black situations. Hospital security guards should attend Mental Health First Aid training, which teaches on and off the job coping strategies. There is a need for debriefing and consideration should be given to supporting “time-out”. Hospital security guards require education on infection control and the risks associated with blood and body fluids.

Originality/value

Hospital security guards play an important role in the safety of patients and staff in code black situations. When they are well supported, they experience high levels of job satisfaction and are able to maintain their compassion towards people who are aggressive and violent towards them. However, repeated exposure to code black situations has the potential to erode the well-being of hospital security guards.

Citation

Brown, J.A., Watson, E. and Rogers, T. (2022), "Hospital security guard's well-being and repeated exposure to personal threats in the workplace: a qualitative study in an Australian hospital", International Journal of Workplace Health Management, Vol. 15 No. 6, pp. 728-744. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJWHM-01-2022-0013