2 0 S U P P L E M E N T T O O U T P A T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E O C T O B E R 2 0 1 5
another to speak up with comments
that are clear and concise and resolve
the situation."
Getting
surgeons onboard
For a culture of safety to work you also
need an OR environment that cele-
brates and encourages everyone —
regardless of position — to share ideas.
That's where you must work with your
surgeons directly.
Physicians are notoriously resistant
to change, says Dr. Hulbert, especially
when that change sounds like just
another mandate to add to their ever-
increasing list of responsibilities. Instead, start your culture change by finding
surgeon and anesthesia champions who can serve as peer teachers.
"As you can imagine, physicians — especially these days — are bombarded
by stuff being done to them," says Dr. Hulbert. "Adding one more thing they
have to do causes resistance, and makes it harder to get the idea implemented.
Instead, the champions can show them that the requests are for patient safety."
Also consider giving physician champions specific actions that enhance the
overall safety atmosphere in the OR. Ask surgeons to lead the time out, during
which they should remind staff that they want them to speak up during the case
if they see a problem, suggests Ms. Daniels.
Even small gestures can inspire change. Ms. Daniels says that starting each
case with introductions of all the team members — especially important in larg-
er facilities — can reinforce the culture of safety. "It will make staff more com-
fortable to speak up, since they know who they're working with," she says.
"You do have the time
to build a culture of safety.
It's about doing what's
best for the patient."
— Spence Byrum
Pamela
Bevelhymer,
RN,
BSN
