CNO discusses methods for improving patient safety

Cambridge Health Alliance CNO Lanie Ward plans to make the Cambridge, Mass.-based health system a high-reliability organization after taking steps to become such an organization at a previous job. Ward found the implementation of safety huddles, setting an expectation of speaking up for safety, and the implementation of a just culture were critical to reducing serious safety events. She suggested nurse leaders should ensure their staffs have the most up-to-date technology; good processes and systems in place to reduce errors; adequate staffing; and environments beneficial to safety. Nurse leaders also need to listen to their direct care nurses; prioritize two or three safety goals based on the specifics of their unit; identify and implement best practices to meet their goals; and celebrate successes. Nurse leaders also should learn from near misses that do not result in an adverse event, Ward said. She identified medication errors, hospital-acquired infections and patient falls as the most common patient safety issues. (HealthLeaders Media article, 10/17/22)