Role of security guards in healthcare settings: a protocol for a systematic review

Abstract

IntroductionThere is a paucity of literature on the comprehensive roles of security guards in healthcare, regardless of day-to-day observations of security guards playing an extensive role in this field. Thus, this review will systematically explore the roles of security guards in healthcare contexts to create a centred body of evidence.Methods and analysisThe study will systematically review existing quantitative and qualitative peer-reviewed literature on security guards in institutional healthcare so as to understand their roles. We will conduct the systematic review on 10 electronic databases: BioMed Central, SocIndex, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, JSTOR, PsycARTICLES, PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science and PubMed. Data extraction will be in the form of a word document. Mendeley software will be used to keep track of references, while the systematic review software, Rayyan, will be used for the screening, inclusion and exclusion of articles. If necessary, reviewer number 3 will conduct a third review should any disputes arise between the two initial reviewers. Quality assessment of the articles will be measured with the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tool for articles in terms of the research aims, methodology used, sample, data analysis, presentation of findings, values of the research, as well as trustworthiness if it is a qualitative study or reflexiveness if it is a quantitative study. Studies dating back 32 years will be incorporated for a comprehensive review.Ethics and disseminationThis systematic review will use publicly available peer-reviewed data from electronic databases and will, therefore, not require an ethical review, but rather, an ethics waiver. The systematic review protocol will be submitted for ethics waiver clearance from the Stellenbosch University Health Research Ethics Committee. The findings from this review will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and conferences.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42022353653.

In their own words: Mental health nurses' experiences of trauma‐informed care in acute mental health settings or hospitals

“…The third theme delves into the existential aspects of relationality, specifically exploring how MHNs experience themselves and security in the context of the acute setting and how this influences TIC. The use of security guards or officers in healthcare facilities has been occurring for decades both internationally and in Australia (Shongwe et al, 2023). Security guards are commonly used to monitor the environment for hazards, and unauthorised visitors, protect property, and monitor and respond to incidents and emergency alarms.…”