Humans make mistakes and errors. These mistakes can be common in the healthcare setting because many events are complex or risky. In these situations, mistakes can lead to negative effects or even death. One common approach to solve this issue is to identify the individual that caused the problem and punish them. But, this does not provide a solution and oftentimes makes the situation worse. A just culture system takes a different approach to ensure the safety of the patients and employees and to promote accountability.
A Just Culture System
A just culture system prioritizes the safety of employees and patients. It is a value-based culture with shared accountability. In order implement this, organizations encourage employees to monitor their personal workplace and take action to keep the workplace safe. In addition, the patient care system collects data in order to determine how to best improve safety in the workplace. Members must constantly be aware of what is occurring in their surroundings and should feel comfortable reporting errors. In a just culture system, employees are constantly learning and striving to improve patient safety.
Eliminate Policies in Order to Incorporate a Just Culture
To best incorporate a just culture, eliminate policies that require punishments for errors. It is important to understand that this process will take time. But, removing the policies that act as a barrier is a good start. After removing policies, organizations can then work from there to improve the safety of their workplace. In addition, they can include more factors such as behavior expectations, consequences for behavior, and event investigation to better incorporate just culture.
Organizational Practices and Processes
It should be a priority for leaders to discuss, understand, and categorize different behavioral choices. After that, a response for each of these behaviors is needed. For example, if an employee makes a mistake but has the right intentions, do not punish them. Instead, console them and discuss different methods to reduce the amount of errors in the future.
Errors, At-Risk Behavior, and Reckless Behavior
There are three categories of behaviors in a just culture. Various organizations see these behaviors differently, so it is important for leaders to determine the difference between the three. Errors occur when a worker makes a mistake even though he/she knew the right thing and intended to do so; this should lead to the worker being consoled. At-risk behaviors occur when employees understand the right thing to do but do otherwise because they do not see the risk, or they feel the benefits outweigh the risk. Reckless behavior is a behavior that is punished, regardless of the outcome. Leaders must be willing to punish employees who engage in this type of behavior.
Get Certified
American Medical Compliance offers an online training course for healthcare workers to learn about the importance of a just culture. Once you finish the Just Culture: A Foundation for Balanced Accountability and Patient Safety course training, you will receive a certificate of course completion. Please visit our website to learn more today: www.americanmedicalcompliance.com.
