You may remember that after the results of the Engagement Survey were shared in July, I wrote that the combination of our outstanding employees, steadfast commitment to quality care, and dedication to forging new ground ensures that Pennsylvania Hospital never settles for “average.” With the results of the Culture of Safety Survey now available, it seems fitting to again call to action all PAH staff to renew their commitment to excellence.
When these results are combined with the Engagement Survey responses, our Leapfrog rating for quality outcomes, our National Database of Nursing Quality Indicators (NDNQI) RN satisfaction survey ranking, and the patient experience feedback we receive, we are able to get a clearer picture of our strengths and areas for growth and improvement. But while the Culture of Safety Survey is only one measurement of how we stack up against national benchmarks, our UPHS colleagues, and our own expectations, our ability to maintain an unshakeable focus on patient safety is at the foundation of our work – without it, everything else begins to crack, and any planned strategies to propel PAH forward can falter.
Maintaining a culture of safety starts at the top, and the leadership team and I are committed to providing staff with the support and resources they need to identify errors, work together to develop solutions, and report their experiences. Looking ahead, leaders and managers throughout the hospital will continue to work with their teams to understand the survey results and to develop department- and unit-specific action plans that ensure the safety of our patients is the top priority.
Developing a culture of safety is an ongoing process that offers ample opportunities to develop stronger hospital-wide supports, learn from mistakes caused by human error and system breakdowns, fine tune best practices and our focus on a fair and just culture, and recognize staff members whose “good catches” prevent patient harm.
While PAH’s “journey to zero harm” may take time and relies on the commitment and collaboration of every team member, the improved patient outcomes and experiences, lower costs and shorter stays, and boosted employee engagement that we will see as a result will undoubtedly prove it worthwhile.