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.