What is Simulation in Healthcare? Simulation in healthcare involves recreating events or scenarios as a teaching tool. There are various types of simulation, ranging from low to high fidelity depending on the level of realism created, along with the equipment used. Task trainers, computer-based simulators, standardized patients, and full-body manikins are described in further detail …
According to the American Medical Association’s Code of Medical Ethics, in situations involving patient harm potentially resulting from a physician’s mistake or judgment, physicians are required to discuss with the patient all the pertinent information around the event in order to ensure full understanding. This enables informed decision-making for future care (Fondahn et al, 2016). …
Strong and effective leadership is an essential part of a well-functioning team. Leadership is defined as “ the ability to lead or command a person or group of people….In this simplistic perspective, anyone who leads and facilitates change by speaking up, providing education, role modeling, and/or coaching resulting in changed behavior of an individual or …
When errors occur in healthcare, the contemporary approach to patient safety involves evaluation of the root causes of why the error happened, evaluating both system and person factors. Unfortunately, systems are not often designed in a way to set people up for success, to make it easy to do the right thing. According to James …
James Reason (2000) described two approaches to viewing and managing human errors – the person and the system. The person approaches errors as a result of deficient mental processing or lack of morals. This may include a lack of attention to detail or motivation, forgetfulness, or general careless behavior. Errors are typically managed with discipline, …
The Person Versus System Approach in Viewing Errors Read More »
Change is difficult for most people. It often requires moving outside of one’s comfort zone, doing something different, or acquiring new skills. Understanding the dynamics of change management is another necessary leadership skill when implementing quality and safety initiatives. Though there are many different models of change, this article will be focusing on Kurt Lewin’s …
The impact of adverse events can be devastating not only for patients and families but also for the caregivers involved. The first victim refers to the patient, and the second victim (SV) is a term used to describe the emotional impact experienced by caregivers. Second victims are healthcare providers who are involved in an unanticipated …
The United States has one of the highest rates of healthcare costs in comparison to countries of similar economic development. Unfortunately, this does not equate to a better quality of care. Despite high costs, the U.S. ranks poorly in the areas of life expectancy and other quality areas (Burke & Ryan, 2014). According to Dr. …
Successful project planning involves starting with the end in mind, meaning planning for sustainability from the onset. Too often as new projects come in, attention shifts, and backsliding can occur. In the Institute for Healthcare Improvement’s white paper titled “Sustaining Improvement” (2016) key lessons are summarized from high-performing healthcare organizations known for their clinical excellence. …
Starting with the End in Mind: Planning for Sustainability Read More »
When integrating change into practice, it’s important to understand the threats to integrating quality and safety work and planning for success. This is the third article in a series describing challenges encountered in this area, and it highlights backsliding, knowledge degradation, and large-scale implementation without testing. Backsliding Backsliding occurs when there is initial improvement noted …
Threats to Integrating Quality and Safety Work and Planning for Success Read More »