Managing High Performing Safety Cultures in US Healthcare Organizations During COVID-19

Abstract

The increasing complexity of the United States healthcare system has compounded the likelihood of mistakes. One of the 10 leading causes of death and disability is safety issues with patient care. Medical errors put undue hardship on the economy resulting in the loss of billions of dollars. The current COVID-19 pandemic revealed gaps in public health strategies, medical treatments, comprehensive patient safety, and human resources strategy. Implementing human resources and performance management processes that promote safety, safe decision making, and reduce medical errors is critical. Adopting methods used by high-reliability organizations (HRO) may reduce medical errors and improve patient safety. Qualitative focus groups were used to collect data around creating organizational cultures focused on safety. This research aims to improve performance by providing healthcare leaders with tools to enhance organizational culture, reduce medical errors, and improve patient safety in the age of COVID-19.