An independent study by network video specialist Axis Communications, in collaboration with IFSEC Insider, reveals 72% of healthcare professionals cite violence against staff as their top security challenge.

The survey shows 40% of respondents reported witnessing abuse and harassment of staff daily, while nearly a quarter said it happens weekly.

In addition, 54% revealed that their teams lack adequate training to deal with security risks.

Ian Littell, global key account manager at Axis Communications, said: ‘The responses show that 60% of those surveyed are looking at body-worn cameras for staff, which are a great visual deterrent but, in isolation, fall short of addressing the broader issue of violence and anti-social behaviour.

'Measures such as these, on their own, can be inefficient and limit scalability; but as part of an integrated security platform, they do offer a high level of support and reassurance.'

He added: ‘It's about being smart and using an integrated system to its fullest to achieve next-level results. Cameras help to manage flash points. For example, people counting or aggression detection analytics can monitor for increased build-up of people and rising tensions. In turn, an integrated security system can trigger audio notifications to relay timely messages both to security staff and to actors in affected areas directly, aiding the de-escalation of difficult situations. This would help achieve the aims of organisations like the NHS's Violence Prevention and Reduction Hub to improve staff safety.'

In addition, the survey spotlighted budget constraints as one of the most prominent healthcare concerns.

Littell said: ‘The prospect of a costly rip and replace overhaul is daunting, particularly in a sector as stretched as healthcare.'