Checklist of Elements that Contribute to a Patient-Safe Environment
Checklist of Elements that Contribute to a Patient-Safe Environment
- All people acknowledge that top management provides essential patient safety improvement leadership.
- The organization has clearly defined patient safety policies.
- All people can explain the organization’s patient safety policies.
- All people are involved in developing patient safety goals, and everyone can explain desired results and measures.
- All people are actively involved in identifying and resolving patient safety concerns.
- All people can explain how their personal performance affects patient safety.
- All people believe they have the necessary authority and resources to meet their responsibilities for patient safety.
- Patient safety performance for all people is measured against goals, clearly displayed, and rewarded.
- A comprehensive review of patient safety is conducted annually, and there is a process in place that drives continuous improvement.
- Regular workplace hazard analyses are conducted to identify patient safety improvement opportunities. The results are used to make changes in patient care activities.
- All people are empowered to correct patient safety hazards as they are identified.
- A comprehensive system exists for gathering information on patient safety hazards. The system is positive, rewarding, and effective, and people use it.
- All people are fully aware of patient incident trends, causes, and means of prevention.
- All injury-producing patient incidents and significant "near misses" are investigated for root cause, with effective preventive actions taken.
- All people who operate patient care equipment are trained to recognize maintenance needs and perform or request timely maintenance.
- All people know immediately how to respond to an emergency because of effective planning, training, and drills.
- Facilities are fully equipped for emergencies; all necessary systems and equipment are in place and regularly tested; and all people know how to use equipment and communicate during emergencies.
- Ergonomics experts are provided when needed and are involved in patient safety assessment and training.
- All supervisors/managers assist in patient safety workplace analyses, ensure physical protections, reinforce training, enforce discipline, and can explain how to provide safe patient care.
Source: Spath P. Patient Safety Improvement Guidebook. Forest Grove, OR: Brown-Spath & Associates; 2000. Reprinted with permission.
Subscribe Now for Access
You have reached your article limit for the month. We hope you found our articles both enjoyable and insightful. For information on new subscriptions, product trials, alternative billing arrangements or group and site discounts please call 800-688-2421. We look forward to having you as a long-term member of the Relias Media community.