24/7 'lockdown' helps ease staff's concerns.
Most EDs these days have locks on their doors, but quite often they do not have consistent policies for when the doors may be open. Here's one ED that solved the dilemma by having the doors to the treatment area locked at all times. If an internal fire alarm goes off, the doors are programmed to open. Visitors can enter the treatment area only if they are buzzed in by the charge nurse or "swiped" in by a staff member with a badge. Orientation helps staff prepare to deal with questions and objections from patients and their families.
D001107:Architectural Accessibility; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D008505:Medical Staff, Hospital / Q000523:psychology*; D017751:Safety Management / Q000379:methods*; D014707:Vermont