Healthcare Professionals representing Critical Access Hospitals (CAH) from across South Dakota gathered in Oacoma for SDAHO’s workplace violence prevention conference, titled: Creating a Culture of Safety – Proactive Strategies for Reducing and Preventing Workplace Violence.
The project was made possible in part through funding from the South Dakota Medicare Rural Hospital Flexibility (FLEX) grant. Becky Heisinger, Dir. Of Quality Integration, SDAHO, “SDAHO recognized the importance of supporting our members in workplace violence prevention. The grant enabled the association to gather member feedback, provide in-person training for CAH’s and to provide resources for our members. This free in-person event also covered the registration costs for a maximum of two staff from each CAH in South Dakota to attend the conference.”
This one-day event featured Michael Dunning VP, Public Safety & Emergency Management, ScionHealth and Lisa Terry, CHPA, CPP, Chief Development Officer, Vistelar, LLC. Each presenter provided the most up-to-date information on a variety of topics that included:
- Identify Risk Factors: Recognize and assess the risk factors contributing to workplace violence, including patient-related stressors and high-pressure situations.
- Implement Security Protocols: Develop and implement robust security protocols and access controls to minimize the risk of violent incidents.
- Strengthen Communication Skills: Enhance communication skills to effectively navigate and mediate conflicts, promoting a positive and respectful work environment.
- Create a Safe Physical Environment: Design hospital spaces and layouts that prioritize safety, reducing opportunities for violence and enhancing staff security.
- Establish Emergency Response Plans: Formulate comprehensive emergency response plans that guide staff in effectively managing and containing violent incidents.
- Address Trauma-Informed Care: Integrate trauma-informed care principles into workplace practices to provide sensitive and supportive care to patients, minimizing triggers.
Attendees were able to take part in light training exercises to better understand what to say and how to react in certain situations. Michella Sybesma, VP Education and Communication, SDAHO. “I am grateful to the South Dakota Department of Heath Office of Rural Heath for partnering with SDAHO to help make this conference a reality. Those who attended learned important information with key take-aways to bring back to their facilities. Even more exciting are the additional webinars that SDAHO will provide in the coming months, that will be available to all of our members.”
To learn more about upcoming workplace violence webinars and education, visit our workplace violence prevention webpage.
Acknowledgment and Disclaimer:
This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award totaling $866,675 with 0% percentage financed with non-governmental sources. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government.
