Isn’t it always about what’s coming next? Security considerations for 2025
While there are certainly many prognosticators in the media that are not held accountable for missteps, for those charged with providing a safe and secure environment, there’s not a lot of wiggle room when it comes to identifying protective measures that will keep things running smoothly. And, in the rapidly changing landscape that faces security operations, the challenges just seem to keep mounting.
As with so many things in the physical environment, there is always a value in looking back as you begin prepping for forward—something about history, lessons not learned, and something repeated. That said, there were certainly trends in security through 2024: unauthorized intruders (no matter how much you harden your facility, healthcare really has to cut a fine line when it comes to access and welcoming), industrial sabotage (in such a “target rich” environment, there is no reason to think that “bad actors” couldn’t/wouldn’t include healthcare organizations at some point), the use of AI for security, the embracing of zero trust frameworks (particularly when it comes to access to security-sensitive areas/spaces), and keeping information secure with a growing remote workforce.
Meanwhile, if your 8-ball isn’t providing you with very clear guidance, you might consider MCA’s (Mobile Communications of America) white paper that discusses some ways in which technology can be leveraged/integrated to provide a safer and more secure environment. While there are certainly any number of risks represented by increasing use of AI technology, I remain hopeful that the benefits will outweigh those risks. We just need to be thoughtful in planning and execution.
As a final thought, I know that folks charged with managing the physical environment are often challenged when it comes to identifying metrics that demonstrate the value of a well-maintained and compliant facility, so here are some thoughts that might prove useful to the security-minded folks. Every organization is unique, so measurements can be tough to define. This post should give you some ideas for ensuring organizational leadership can clearly identify the value of your security program.
About the Author: Steve MacArthur is a safety consultant with The Chartis Group. He brings more than 30 years of healthcare management and consulting experience to his work with hospitals, physician offices, and ambulatory care facilities across the country. He is the author of HCPro's Hospital Safety Director's Handbook and is an advisory board member for Accreditation and Quality Compliance Center. Contact Steve at stevemacsafetyspace@gmail.com.