Patient Safety Corner Keeping Care Safe, One Step at a Time
Lincoln is committed to fostering a culture of safety for patients and staff alike. We look to bring a hands-on, proactive approach to identifying and addressing safety concerns.
Why safety matters
P atient safety is a cornerstone of quality healthcare because it directly impacts patient outcomes and the overall effectiveness of medical services. A focus on patient safety not only results in lives saved but also contributes to the reduction of errors, as evidenced by data from the VOICE reporting system, which shows a correlation between increased reports of good catches and a decline in reported errors. This proactive approach to identifying and mitigating potential hazards helps catch problems before they result in harm, which aligns with the principles of high reliability organizations (HROs).
Furthermore, when healthcare staff feel psychologically safe to report safety concerns and near misses, they are more likely to engage in these reporting systems, creating a culture of open communication and continuous improvement (Edmondson, 2019). A strong patient safety culture fosters staff support, ensuring that caregivers feel valued and protected in their efforts to provide safe, high-quality care. Ultimately, the goal of zero harm in patient care becomes achievable by embedding patient safety into the fabric of the organization’s operations, ensuring that patient well-being is prioritized at every level. This commitment to safety not only
• Edmondson, A. C. (2019). The Fearless Organization: Creating Psychological Safety in the Workplace for Learning, Innovation, and Growth. Wiley. Nursing Home Survey on Patient Safety Culture: 2010 User Comparative Database Report. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). “Safety isn’t just a protocol—it’s a promise we make to every patient who walks through our doors.” • Sorra, J., & Dyer, N. (2010). improves outcomes but also enhances the organization’s reputation and operational efficiency (Sorra & Dyer, 2010).
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LINCOLN NEWS
APRIL 2025
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