On November 14, people entering Pennsylvania Hospital (PAH) encountered what appeared to be metal detectors where there previously were none. Individuals could still swiftly walk into the building, and even hold all their belongings as they passed through. But occasionally the machine would beep, as it did for one patient.
By the time it emitted that beep, Evolv – the new machine – was already one step ahead in the search for a potentially dangerous metal item. Security staff didn’t need to search all the patient’s belongings or use a handheld scanner because the system’s screen had taken a still photo of the patient and indicated where a metal item was detected – at the bottom of their tote bag. In this case, the item was simply an umbrella with a metal handle. But the device could just as easily identify something more harmful in a moment’s notice and ensure it never entered the hospital. It’s a helpful extra layer of protection to ensure compliance with the longstanding policy that prohibits weapons from all Penn Medicine facilities.
The new state-of-the-art Evolv Technology security system is the most recent initiative launched by the PAH Workplace Safety Task Force, which develops safety strategies for PAH and also collaborates with other Penn Medicine security groups in monthly meetings to promote workplace safety across the Health System. Preventing violence in the workplace is one of their areas of focus. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, each year, an average of nearly 2 million U.S. workers report having been a victim of violence at work.
The task force is building on a strong foundation of existing initiatives at PAH, such as de-escalation training, using communication techniques to defuse potentially violent situations, and “Dr. Strongman” – an alert system that quickly mobilizes security personnel if a situation escalates, among other efforts.
“This initiative was about supporting universal safety,” said Patty Harris, director of Patient Safety and Process Improvement. “[Our work on the task force is] an opportunity for collaboration to promote zero harm at the hospital, whether you’re an employee, patient, or visitor.”
“We felt this tool would be a game changer for us,” said Bryan Anthony, director of Security Services, who researched effective security systems at other hospitals and first witnessed Evolv’s speedy screening in action at New York–Presbyterian in a visit with the PAH security team. “We care about our staff and we are taking the rising levels of nationwide workplace violence seriously.”
Since its installation at PAH in November, Evolv has tracked more than 300,000 encounters through its system across the five locations on PAH’s campus – the main entrance and the employee entrance, along with the Spruce, Farm Journal, and Washington Square building entrances.
The system is designed to identify weapons such as knives and guns so they can be safely confiscated and not carried into the building. As a precaution, Evolv is designed to err on the side of identifying objects that may be suspicious for manual inspection. Examples of these false positives include umbrellas and laptops, and even personal protection items like pepper spray; confiscated items are held for safekeeping at the security checkpoint and returned when individuals depart the hospital.
“You have your days that you beep, but it becomes part of your routine. It may be an added step in our arrival, but if it’s to keep us safe, I don’t mind it at all,” said Nancy Hallowell, Engineering Services secretary. “I felt comfortable coming into work before Evolv, but this makes me feel even more secure when I arrive each morning.”
“I’m happy for this added layer of security,” said Craig Hargrove, Patient Services Associate. “I applaud Security for taking these precautions and making sure we’re in a safe space.”
While PAH is the first hospital in the Health System to implement Evolv, security directors from the other entities have visited PAH to learn more about Evolv and are now considering installation at their own locations.
“Staff were really appreciative of having this major step to ensure workplace safety. It’s been working really well for us and I’m confident that it could be a significant tool at the other hospitals,” said Anthony. “We want people to feel well-protected and assured that we have their backs.”