Understanding Patient Safety by Robert Wachter. The best part of this book is that the author actually added an entire section entitled "Solutions." Imagine that... there are ideas about improving your information technology system, the benefits of simulation, the role of the patient, a well trained, competent workforce, and a strong Patient Safety Manager. It's a lot of great information. Choose any one of them and design a plan to implement your favorite. I like the idea of including the patient as a member of the healthcare team. There are all kinds of pamphlets available online to use as teaching material. Teach them the signs and symptoms of a post-operative infection, how to monitor staff for hand hygiene, or when to speak up if they have questions about their plan of care. It's simple and easy to implement. And the patients usually enjoy being such an integral part of the team.
Another great idea is Leadership Rounds. And it doesn't cost anything but time with your staff. Recruit your fellow leaders to join you at least once a month. Let the staff know that you are interested in how they think the program can be improved. "Is there anything that leadership can do to prevent the next adverse event?" "Are we actively promoting a blame-free culture of reporting?" The frontline workers are the most in tune with what works and what does not. Once they get used to seeing senior leaders walk through and ask questions, they will welcome the opportunity to participate and share their ideas.
What was your favorite solution?
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