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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
Action
Action
Communication Openness
Communication Openness
Staff freely speak up if they see something that may cause harm.
Staff freely speak up if they see something that may cause harm.
Frequency of Events Reported
Frequency of Events Reported
Errors are caught, corrected, and reported before affecting the patient/worker.
Errors are caught, corrected, and reported before affecting the patient/worker.
Handoffs and Transitions
Handoffs and Transitions
Staff transfer information across work units and during shift changes.
Staff transfer information across work units and during shift changes.
Management Support for Patient/Worker Safety
Management Support for Patient/Worker Safety
Management provides and prioritizes a safety climate that promotes patient/worker safety.
Management provides and prioritizes a safety climate that promotes patient/worker safety.
Non-punitive Response to Error
Non-punitive Response to Error
Staff feel that their mistakes and event reports are not held against them.
Staff feel that their mistakes and event reports are not held against them.
Organizational Learning
Organizational Learning
Corrected errors lead to positive changes in work environment.
Corrected errors lead to positive changes in work environment.
Overall Perceptions of Patient/Worker Safety
Overall Perceptions of Patient/Worker Safety
Procedures and systems are good at preventing errors.
Procedures and systems are good at preventing errors.
Staffing
Staffing
Enough staff to handle the workload and work hours are appropriate.
Enough staff to handle the workload and work hours are appropriate.
Teamwork Across and Within Units
Teamwork Across and Within Units
Units cooperate and coordinate to provide the best care for patients and practice worker safety.
Units cooperate and coordinate to provide the best care for patients and practice worker safety.
(Institute for Healthcare Improvement, n.d.)