Protecting infants in healthcare facilities from abduction: a facility's search for a sound infant security system

Metropolitan Methodist Hospital, a 279-bed facility, had an electronic infant security system frequently in need of repairs. The vendor became increasingly difficult to locate, and so the decision was made to replace the system. A literature search of vendors and agencies supporting hospitals in the prevention of infant abductions; solicitation of information from facilities experiencing abductions; and onsite tours of facilities were most beneficial in determining a new system. As a result, the facility purchased a state-of-the-art infant security system and agreed to participate as a beta site for mother-baby recognition identification bands, an added security feature not yet on the market. This article describes the process of evaluating and selecting an infant security system in order to reduce the risk of infant abduction.