Ensuring Patient Privacy, Enhancing Security

New, smarter surveillance technologies are perfect prescription for healthcare settings

  • By Greg Peratt
  • Jun 01, 2012

Today’s video surveillance camera manufacturers offer models specifically built for the healthcare setting. Vandal-proof cameras withstand rough treatment in an emergency room, high-resolution models can read license plate numbers in the parking lot and better image processing enables clear video views in spite of backlighting or other lighting variables.

Video surveillance systems are proving to more useful than ever in healthcare facilities thanks to new capabilities made possible through enhanced processing, intelligent video analytics and continually evolving network functionality. In addition to providing better security for patients, staff and visitors, video surveillance systems can also improve general operations throughout healthcare facilities even while protecting patients’ privacy.

Intelligent Camera Functions

Video motion detection built into intelligent cameras can alert hospital personnel if patients are mobile in areas where they should be stationary, and it can be used to generate an alarm if identified fixed objects are moved while at the same time ignoring other motion caused by natural elements such as swaying trees or drifting clouds.

In addition, video motion detection can monitor portable equipment and vehicles that should not be left unattended or those that remain stationary for specified time limits, and the built-in technology can trigger alarms when an object is left behind, such as a briefcase or other package that might represent a security threat. All of these motion detection-related capabilities can be deployed to record activities only when motion is triggered. This dramatically reduces bandwidth requirements, allowing more devices to be deployed on a single network without impeding transmission while also requiring less storage for recorded images.

Face detection is another feature driven by intelligent analytics on the camera, and it pairs with face recognition on the recording/processing end of the system chain.

In addition to automatically detecting individuals registered in the system or suspicious persons when they enter a facility, face detection can provide instant access to secured areas by authorized personnel. Applications include maternity wards, areas where medications are stored, operating rooms and emergency treatment areas. Face detection can be used as a standalone trigger mechanism or in conjunction with access control, making it suitable for myriad applications.

Protecting Patient Privacy

Emerging surveillance technology is enabling better patient protection in healthcare settings while maintaining the need for privacy. Cameras can be placed in a specially designed housing that covers the lens at all times unless opened by a patient or nurse to monitor a specific incident or situation. A single PTZ camera can be deployed in rooms with multiple patients and programmed to position itself toward any of the beds.

If a patient or family member temporarily leaves the room, they can request a video recording to protect valuables and other personal items.

New, smarter network cameras also offer a privacy-masking capability. Various areas in an image, such as the door to a patient’s room or a patient’s window viewed from the outside, can be electronically masked to prevent the selected areas from being viewed and/or recorded. This allows video surveillance cameras to be deployed virtually anywhere throughout and around a healthcare facility without infringing on patient privacy.

Surveillance for Business and Education

Video cameras are used throughout hospitals and healthcare facilities for a multitude of non-security tasks, including remote conferencing and in operating rooms for educational purposes. These cameras can also be called upon for use as security cameras on a moment’s notice in the event of an emergency.

Overall, the capabilities of video cameras to improve, secure and streamline today’s healthcare environment are better than ever.

This article originally appeared in the June 2012 issue of Security Today.

About the Author

Greg Peratt is director of sales, Video Solutions Integration, at Panasonic.

Featured

  • Security Industry Association Announces the 2026 Security Megatrends

    The Security Industry Association (SIA) has identified and forecasted the 2026 Security Megatrends, which form the basis of SIA’s signature annual Security Megatrends report defining the top 10 factors influencing both near- and long-term change in the global security industry. Read Now

  • The Future of Access Control: Cloud-Based Solutions for Safer Workplaces

    Access controls have revolutionized the way we protect our people, assets and operations. Gone are the days of cumbersome keychains and the security liabilities they introduced, but it’s a mistake to think that their evolution has reached its peak. Read Now

  • A Look at AI

    Large language models (LLMs) have taken the world by storm. Within months of OpenAI launching its AI chatbot, ChatGPT, it amassed more than 100 million users, making it the fastest-growing consumer application in history. Read Now

  • First, Do No Harm: Responsibly Applying Artificial Intelligence

    It was 2022 when early LLMs (Large Language Models) brought the term “AI” into mainstream public consciousness and since then, we’ve seen security corporations and integrators attempt to develop their solutions and sales pitches around the biggest tech boom of the 21st century. However, not all “artificial intelligence” is equally suitable for security applications, and it’s essential for end users to remain vigilant in understanding how their solutions are utilizing AI. Read Now

  • Improve Incident Response With Intelligent Cloud Video Surveillance

    Video surveillance is a vital part of business security, helping institutions protect against everyday threats for increased employee, customer, and student safety. However, many outdated surveillance solutions lack the ability to offer immediate insights into critical incidents. This slows down investigations and limits how effectively teams can respond to situations, creating greater risks for the organization. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden Door Controls has relaunched its CV-7600 card readers in response to growing market demand for a more secure alternative to standard proximity credentials that can be easily cloned. CV-7600 readers support MIFARE DESFire EV1 & EV2 encryption technology credentials, making them virtually clone-proof and highly secure.

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.