ABSTRACT
Investigations are a vital part of the data collection process for security and should be considered part of the hospital’s overall process improvement program. Investigations identify victim and perpetrator recidivism and track modus operandi. Workplace investigations are defined as a determination of the facts to make a workplace decision or to obtain the facts so that resolution of a complaint and situation can be achieved. Information gathered during an investigation should be collected in detail, and the details of the event should be corroborated using primary sources to confirm the data, so information is accurate and complete. The interview process is the most important component to a sound investigation; however, the art of the interview is often forgotten. The investigator should formulate follow-up questions based on the answers provided to the six fundamental questions until a thorough picture is obtained of the incident or event. The collection and maintenance of evidence is vital to the hospital investigative process.
