Implementing a national patient safety plan sounds straightforward on paper. In practice, it requires something far more challenging: shifting an entire organization’s culture.
In this episode, Patricia McGaffigan, RN, VP, IHI; President, Certification Board for Professionals in Patient Safety, talks with the Vice President for Patient Safety and Compliance within Ascension, Kelly Randall, Ph.D. about how one of the nation’s largest health systems is implementing the Safer Together National Action Plan across nearly 100 hospitals.
Their path forward involves creating tiered safety huddles that connect frontline nurses to executive leadership daily. They’ve launched programs like “We’ve Got Your Back” to protect those who speak up, and celebrate near misses alongside wins through their “Everyday Hero of Safety” recognition. They discuss how increased safety event reporting signals growing trust, not growing problems, and understanding that when nurses create workarounds, they’re often highlighting things that do not work or broken systems.
This is a success story, but one that continues to unfold. It’s about the ongoing work of opening communication channels, actively listening across all levels, breaking down hierarchical barriers, and continuous learning. As Kelly reminds us, sometimes you must walk, not run, to go faster when transforming culture.