Commitment to patient safety is a leading issue for hospitals and healthcare leaders.The 1997 publication Demanding Medical Excellence (Milesnson 1997, Chicago Tribune, University of Chicago Press) combined with the
The foundation for this culture change began four years ago with a review of maternal deaths, major maternal morbidity, and birth trauma results within our unit. This data was then used to consider methods to improve reliability and increase patient safety. The framework to create a dominant culture of high reliability and improved communication involved:
- Leveraging nurses’ skill and experience to open dialogue
- Demonstrating mutual respect among nursing and medicine
- Creating a learning environment driven by the needs and concerns of the nurses
- Creating an environment where all providers can speak freely and fearlessly
- Utilizing information obtained during rounds to create an action plan based on not only evidence-based practice but also individualized patient needs and collaborative communication
- Developing a common language
In an effort to enhance nurse-physician communication, routine daily patient safety rounds began on our labor and delivery unit. Nursing and
Each patient is presented by the primary nurse or OBCP to the care group comprised of nurses, OBCPs,
Results
Decreases in poor obstetrical outcomes and sentinel events have been demonstrated since the implementation of Safety Rounds. Results of staff satisfaction questionnaires showed improvements in:
· Feelings of empowerment
· Communication
· Situational awareness
· Commitment to patient care
· Teamwork
· Accountability
· Learning/mentoring
· Patient-centered care
· Mindfulness
· Culture change
Other quality improvement projects were initiated during this time frame. It is unclear whether the improved outcomes reported are attributable to any single effort, however, the safety rounds are unique in they have had a direct impact on nursing participation in the patient’s plan of care, and the nurse’s perception of the influence her knowledge and input have on the team’s effort.