What are risk assessments?

In an interview with Medical Economics Assistant Editor Austin Littrell, Andrea Greco, SVP of healthcare safety at the security firm CENTEGIX, discussed the critical components of effective risk assessments in health care settings. She emphasized the importance of identifying warning signs — both verbal and nonverbal — that could indicate potential risks, including aggressive behavior and mood changes. Greco also highlighted the necessity of gathering relevant information, whether that means understanding a patient's history or assessing the specific needs of a health care facility and its community.

She also outlined the process of developing a structured risk assessment protocol, including strategies for monitoring and tracking risks, as well as creating personalized action plans.

These steps, Greco explained, should seamlessly integrate into a broader, layered safety plan within a health care organization.