Hospitals are intricate environments that cover large and diverse areas. Operating rooms, intensive care units, maternity wards, drug storage facilities, and pharmacies – all have their own distinct accessibility and security requirements.
But hospitals must also be a welcoming and supportive space. In addition to medical and administrative personnel, there is a near-constant flow of visitors, contractors, and other staff that need access to various areas of multiple buildings at any one time.
Smooth and efficient accessibility must be balanced with consistent and reliable security.
Electronic key management systems are replacing manual locking systems and enabling a growing number of hospitals to strike this crucial balance, just right.
What are digital locks?
Traditional locks and keys have been upgraded to a smarter solution entirely.
Digital locks, also called electronic locks or smart locks, offer innovative security solutions that use electronic key management systems to control access to a building or areas of buildings.
Digital locks are typically battery-powered and use authentication methods such as PIN codes, keycards, or smartphone apps, to grant or deny entry.
These electronic key management systems remove the risk to security that occurs when traditional keys are lost or misplaced, as access can be revoked or granted at the click of a button via a central control system.
Furthermore, the audit trail capability gives facility managers complete and full visibility of a hospital site, adding a further element of security and peace of mind that the hospital building and the people and equipment within it, are safe and secure.
Access security threats facing healthcare organisations
There are several different types of security threats facing hospitals and healthcare organisations, and keyless entry systems can mitigate these breaches.
Employees or contractors could potentially cause harm through data theft, misuse of access, or malware introduction. Insider threats can be difficult to detect and prevent, as they can involve individuals who have legitimate access to an area. Implementing a keyless entry system allows organisations to restrict access to sensitive areas based on an individual’s role and responsibilities, mitigating this risk.
Physical security threats usually stem from unauthorised access via traditional locks or stolen keys. Physical security threats can be challenging in healthcare settings, where access needs to be managed for many staff, patients, and visitors. Electronic key management systems offer granular access management, safeguarding sensitive medical rooms and areas from unauthorised entry, and ensuring the safety of staff and patients.
Compliance risks commonly occur due to a failure to meet regulatory standards like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) or other data privacy regulations. Compliance risks also often involve complex regulatory requirements. Keyless entry solutions enable organisations to enforce access policies compliant with data privacy regulations, reducing the risk of non-compliance and by ensuring that only authorised individuals have access to sensitive and private patient data.
Benefits digital locks offer hospital environments
A customised keyless access system for a hospital or healthcare facility can provide enhanced security for sensitive data, patient records and medicine cabinets or pharmacies.
Utilising digital locking systems can guarantee that only authorised medical staff access operating rooms, critical care units, and other sensitive zones, thereby minimising the likelihood of medical errors and enhancing patient safety.
However, these systems can also play a crucial role in the efficient running of daily operations.
Flexible Access Control: Digital locking systems allow administrators to grant or revoke access permissions remotely and instantly, ideal for dynamic environments like hospitals in which access needs change frequently.
Convenience and User-Friendly Design: With intuitive interfaces, digital locks offer a hassle-free experience for both occupants and administrators. They can be operated with keycards, PIN codes, or smartphone apps, providing versatile access solutions.
Remote Monitoring and Management: Administrators can remotely manage access permissions, monitor door activity, and receive real-time alerts from a centralised platform.
Audit Trails: These systems provide audit trails that ensure compliance with policies and regulations and offer valuable information in case of security threats or internal investigations.
Scalability and Adaptability: Digital lock systems are highly scalable, allowing organisations to expand or modify their security infrastructure as needed, seamlessly adapting to evolving requirements.
Enhanced Emergency Response: Emergency responses can be accelerated by digital locks providing real-time information on the location of staff and patients.
Cost and Energy Efficiency: Many digital locks are battery-powered, reducing electricity usage, lowering utility costs, and helping to meet ESG demands by reducing the carbon footprint of building operations.
Digital lock applications in driving more efficient and secure hospital working environments
Mobile Carts: With an electronic lock on a medical cart, materials can be mobile and stored securely, ready for nurses and doctors to use as they move around a ward. Medical professionals also don’t need to leave a patient to retrieve equipment or other medicines.
File Storage: Hospitals contain a lot of sensitive information regarding patients, research, and other confidential documents. Digital locks ensure sure only those who are authorised can access the files and reduce the risk of wrongful access due to stolen or misplaced keys.
Pharmacies: Storing drugs is not only a security concern but a safety concern. If some medication gets into the wrong hands, it becomes a safety hazard. Electronic locking systems can align with responsibility hierarchies and role seniority so pharmacists can better control who has access to inventory.
Cabinets: Having to rifle through keys to find the right one during an emergency can be detrimental. With a keyless cabinet locking system, a tap or swipe of a card can have it open in a matter of seconds.
Lockers: Lockers where staff keep their personal belongings and valuables during the working day can be secured and accessed only when required by the rightful owner of the locker.
The healthcare industry continues to invest in technological advancements to elevate patient care and operational efficiency. Digital electronic key management systems are another string to this bow, as they continue to uphold and further streamline operations whilst improving patient, equipment and medical security.
