attributes of safety

Attributes of Safety

  • Safety refers to decreasing risks of dangers or hazards to prevent actual or potential bodily harm. (Definition cited: AHRQ, 2020a)

  • Quality measures the care provided to promote best outcomes within the management of healthcare systems. (Definition cited: AHRQ, 2020a)

  • It requires everyone in a healthcare facility to engage in safe behaviors and be aware of surroundings to protect against unsafe situations and prevent safety hazards.

  • Attributes of safety are the qualities or properties of remaining safe. They are the precautions individuals take to be safe and prevent adverse occurrences.

  • Examples of attributes or precautions healthcare facilities can implement to improve quality and safety (OSHA, 2020b):

    1. Schedule and analyze hazard surveys and safety/health inspections in all areas.

    2. Implement an effective hazard reporting system available to employees.

    3. Investigate all safety incidents for root causes.

    4. Keep safety, health rules, and work practices readily available.

    5. Have applicable OSHA-mandated safety programs in place.

    6. Make sure personal protective equipment is being used effectively.

    7. Confirm the facility has disaster plans for internal and external emergency situations.

    8. Provide safety and health training for all levels of employees at least annually

Active partnership Between Healthcare Staff and Patients

  • An active partnership between healthcare staff and patients is an effective way to maximize the quality of safety and minimize risks of hazards and errors resulting in accidents and injuries.

  • Everyone positively or negatively impacts safety and quality in the healthcare environment, including patients.

  • Nurses need to encourage patients to:

    • Be assertive to actively speak up and ask questions about medications, therapies, tests, and procedures to know the "what" and "why" of these and anticipated results.

    • Be knowledgeable about their condition or illness and be aware of how to prevent complications while in a healthcare facility.

    • Have a support person to assist in these areas and be vigilant about the safety of care for the patient.

    • Practice safe behaviors such as washing hands appropriately, asking for help when needed, eating appropriate foods on their prescribed diet, and reporting any mistakes noticed to the nurse or another staff member.

  • Healthcare employees need to be competent in and willing to use a range of safety skills. They also need to have the ability to identify safety hazards, take responsibility for correcting them, and be part of the solution to prevent them from happening again.

  • Quality improvement and risk management of health services within healthcare concentrate on identifying and making changes to improve quality and safety for everyone (see Module 50, Quality Improvement, for more information).