Question

A nurse who realized that his colleagues weren't consistently following up on patient results reported the problem to the clinic leadership right away. Which response would be most consistent with a culture of safety?

1) Transferring the nurse to another clinic
2) Thanking the nurse and asking him to keep quiet about it
3) Placing the item on the agenda for the leadership meeting next year
4) Investigating the problem and seeking systems solutions

Answer 1

The most consistent response with a culture of safety is to investigate and seek systems solutions to the problem of inconsistent follow-ups on patient results reported by a nurse. This approach addresses the systemic issue rather than transferring the nurse or muting the concern, thus fostering a safer clinical environment.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question revolves around the appropriate reaction in a healthcare setting when a nurse, who realized that their colleagues weren't consistently following up on patient results, reports the issue to clinic leadership. The response that would be most consistent with a culture of safety is to investigate the problem and seek systems solutions. This approach prioritizes addressing and remedying the systemic issues that have led to the inconsistency rather than ignoring the problem, blaming individuals, or transferring the whistleblower.

The excerpt provided depicts a conflict between two individuals, Tracy and Noel, with different work styles. While Noel's assertiveness led to immediate actions and saved resources, Tracy is concerned about the longer-term implications of such an approach within the team's culture. In this context of healthcare management, it's crucial to balance immediate problem-solving with maintaining a cohesive team dynamic and respecting established workplace norms.