ATTITUDES TOWARD THE USE OF A METAL DETECTOR IN AN URBAN EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT

Study objective: To determine the attitudes of patients, their family and friends, and ED staff toward a walk-through metal detector in the ED. Methods: We conducted a survey of a convenience sample of ED patro ns (patients and their friends and family) and staff at a university-a ffiliated Level I trauma center. Results: We surveyed 176 patrons and 95 employees (35 nurses, 30 physicians, 16 security officers, and 14 s taff members). Overall, 80% of the patrons and 85% of the employees sa id they liked the metal detector. Eighty-nine percent of the patrons a nd 73% of the employees said the metal detector made them feel safer. Only 12% of the patrons and 10% of the employees said the metal detect or invaded their privacy or the privacy of others. Fewer than 1% of th e patrons said they were less likely to return to our ED because of th e metal detector, and 39% said it made them more likely to return. We detected no significant differences with regard to age, sex, or race. Conclusion: Most patrons and staff liked the metal detector and said i t created a safer ED environment. Only a few disliked the presence of the metal detector or said it invaded their privacy. Institutions conc erned about their employees' and patrons' perceptions of safety should consider installing metal detectors in their EDs.