A comprehensive obstetrics patient safety program improves safety climate and culture

Objective The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of an obstetrics patient safety program on staff safety culture. Study Design We implemented (1) obstetrics patient safety nurse, (2) protocol-based standardization of practice, (3) crew resource management training, (4) oversight by a...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:American journal of obstetrics and gynecology 2011-03, Vol.204 (3), p.216.e1-216.e6
Main Authors: Pettker, Christian M., MD, Thung, Stephen F., MD, Raab, Cheryl A., RNC, Donohue, Katie P., RN, Copel, Joshua A., MD, Lockwood, Charles J., MD, Funai, Edmund F., MD
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biological and medical sciences
Delivery. Postpartum. Lactation
Gynecology. Andrology. Obstetrics
Humans
Medical sciences
Obstetrics - standards
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Organizational Culture
Patient Care Team - organization & administration
patient safety
Quality Assurance, Health Care
quality improvement
Safety
safety attitude questionnaire
safety culture
Safety Management - organization & administration
Surveys and Questionnaires
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Summary:Objective The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of an obstetrics patient safety program on staff safety culture. Study Design We implemented (1) obstetrics patient safety nurse, (2) protocol-based standardization of practice, (3) crew resource management training, (4) oversight by a patient safety committee, (5) 24-hour obstetrics hospitalist, and (6) an anonymous event reporting system. We administered the Safety Attitude Questionnaire on 4 occasions over 5 years (2004-2009) to all staff members that assessed teamwork and safety cultures, job satisfaction, working conditions, stress recognition, and perceptions of management. Results We observed significant improvements in the proportion of staff members with favorable perceptions of teamwork culture (39% in 2004 to 63% in 2009), safety culture (33% to 63%), job satisfaction (39% to 53%), and management (10% to 37%). Individual roles (obstetrics providers, residents, and nurses) also experienced improvements in safety and teamwork, with significantly better congruence between doctors and nurses. Conclusion Safety programs can improve workforce perceptions of safety and an improved safety climate.
ISSN:0002-9378
1097-6868
DOI:10.1016/j.ajog.2010.11.004