What is a critical component of OSF's safety culture?

A critical component of OSF's safety culture is centered on the reporting and addressing of near-misses and adverse events. This practice is essential because it fosters an environment where employees feel empowered to speak up about potential safety issues without fear of retribution. By actively encouraging the reporting of near-misses, the organization can identify and mitigate risks before they result in harm, thereby enhancing overall patient safety.

Addressing near-misses allows for a proactive approach to safety, enabling staff to learn from close calls and make necessary adjustments to procedures or protocols. This becomes a cornerstone of a learning organization, where continuous improvement is prioritized and safety measures are dynamically updated based on real-world experiences. Ultimately, this component of the safety culture aims to create a system where patient safety is always at the forefront, encouraging a commitment from all staff to uphold these values in their daily practices.