Implementation of a patient safety program at a tertiary health system: A longitudinal analysis of interventions and serious safety events.

BACKGROUND: We hypothesize that implementation of a safety program based on high reliability organization principles will reduce serious safety events (SSE).

METHODS: The safety program focused on 7 essential elements: (a) safety rounding, (b) safety oversight teams, (c) safety huddles, (d) safety coaches, (e) good catches/safety heroes, (f) safety education, and (g) red rule. An educational curriculum was implemented focusing on changing high-risk behaviors and implementing critical safety policies. All unusual occurrences were captured in the Midas system and investigated by risk specialists, the safety officer, and the chief medical officer. A multidepartmental committee evaluated these events, and a root cause analysis (RCA) was performed. Events were tabulated and serious safety event (SSE) recorded and plotted over time. Safety success stories (SSSs) were also evaluated over time.

RESULTS: A steady drop in SSEs was seen over 9 years. Also a rise in SSSs was evident, reflecting on staff engagement in the program. The parallel change in SSEs, SSSs, and the implementation of various safety interventions highly suggest that the program was successful in achieving its goals.

CONCLUSION: A safety program based on high-reliability organization principles and made a core value of the institution can have a significant positive impact on reducing SSEs.