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 …
When integrating change into practice, it’s important to understand the common barriers encountered in quality and safety implementation. This will allow for adequate planning and preparation. Some of the challenges include a lack of team integrity and disruptive and hierarchical behavior. Unfortunately, these factors can contribute to medical errors and patient harm. Historically disruptive and …
Common Barriers Encountered in Quality and Safety Implementation Read More »
Case Scenario A 32-year-old G2 P1 undergoes an elective induction of labor at 39 weeks. She is admitted at 6 AM. The night nurse works quickly to complete her admission and get the induction process started. Oxytocin is ordered along with a mainline intravenous (IV) of D5LR running at 125 ml/hr. On this unit, it …
Medication Errors and Strategies to Improve Medication Safety Read More »
Safety Culture versus Safety Climate – what is the difference? Safety culture has been described as an organization’s value regarding safety and the degree to which staff take ownership for safety. It reflects the “shared beliefs, values, attitudes and customs with regards to workplace safety” (Wolters Kluwer, 2017, para 3) and incorporation of safety thinking …
Speaking up for safety can be difficult depending on the circumstances, staff involved, receptivity of the individual(s) being questioned, and overall existing culture. In situations when there is a concern for patient safety, an error is noted, or more clarity is needed around a plan of care, using clear language in a simple and direct …
Speaking Up for Safety: Two Challenge Rule and CUS Read More »