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General Measurable Elements of a Safety Culture

The table below shows important measurable elements and responsive actions for each element.

Element

Element

Element

Action

Action

Action

Communication Openness

Element

Communication Openness

Staff freely speak up if they see something that may cause harm.

Action

Staff freely speak up if they see something that may cause harm.

Frequency of Events Reported

Element

Frequency of Events Reported

Errors are caught, corrected, and reported before affecting the patient/worker.

Action

Errors are caught, corrected, and reported before affecting the patient/worker.

Handoffs and Transitions

Element

Handoffs and Transitions

Staff transfer information across work units and during shift changes.

Action

Staff transfer information across work units and during shift changes.

Management Support for Patient/Worker Safety

Element

Management Support for Patient/Worker Safety

Management provides and prioritizes a safety climate that promotes patient/worker safety.

Action

Management provides and prioritizes a safety climate that promotes patient/worker safety.

Non-punitive Response to Error

Element

Non-punitive Response to Error

Staff feel that their mistakes and event reports are not held against them.

Action

Staff feel that their mistakes and event reports are not held against them.

Organizational Learning

Element

Organizational Learning

Corrected errors lead to positive changes in work environment.

Action

Corrected errors lead to positive changes in work environment.

Overall Perceptions of Patient/Worker Safety

Element

Overall Perceptions of Patient/Worker Safety

Procedures and systems are good at preventing errors.

Action

Procedures and systems are good at preventing errors.

Staffing

Element

Staffing

Enough staff to handle the workload and work hours are appropriate.

Action

Enough staff to handle the workload and work hours are appropriate.

Teamwork Across and Within Units

Element

Teamwork Across and Within Units

Units cooperate and coordinate to provide the best care for patients and practice worker safety.

Action

Units cooperate and coordinate to provide the best care for patients and practice worker safety.

(Institute for Healthcare Improvement, n.d.)