How to develop a culture of safety in health care organizations - Essay Example

How to Develop a Culture of Safety in Health Care Organizations Healthcare environment constitutes of many different variables. The variability of the needs of patients, families, personnel and institutions create many inconsistencies. In addition to problems associated with hierarchy, independence among health personnel also lead to many challenges in health organizations. A culture of blame also emanates in healthcare because of the assigning of roles to some physicians or other employees (Duke University Medical Center, 2005).

In most occasions, physicians worked on particular patients so as not to evade punishment when something wrong happens. Unfortunately, this culture led to many incidents not to be reported. To combat this problem, health-workers are encouraged to report problems instead of hiding them, so that they can be solved in time. To develop a culture of safety in health organizations, cultures are accessed occasionally so as to make amicable changes where necessary. Additionally, teamwork is highly recommended so as to avoid the occurrence of blame games and negligence of risky incidents.

Most organizations also advocate the participation of the patient in the treatment process so as to create good communication system between healthcare personnel and patients (Duke University Medical Center, 2005). Additionally, involvement of patients in the treatment process leads to physicians observing rules and regulations to the later so as to minimize the occurrence of accidents within health-centers. Routine check-up and update of healthcare systems have also been found effective in developing a culture of safety in health organizations.

Thus, many healthcare organizations not only maintain, but also update their systems in order to catch up with technological advancements that aid in enhancing patients’ safety. Additionally, most health organizations also advocate openness among its employees so as to enhance patients, workers, and personnel safety within healthcare environment (Duke University Medical Center, 2005). Rule of accountability has also been found effective in developing a culture of safety in healthcare organizations.

It achieves this by ensuring all the healthcare providers do their respective jobs efficiently. ReferenceDuke University Medical Center. (2005). Patient Safety – Quality Improvement. Department of Community and Family Medicine. http://patientsafetyed.duhs.duke.edu/module_c/what_makes_culture.html