“You STOP, pause for a moment, think about the act, before you perform it. Then act. But always review. Then you'll reduce the kind of errors we do,” Picquet croons. “Ask a quick question. Request a change. Voice concern … then move it up the chain,” the lyrics say in the video encouraging staff to pause before moving on with a task; to feel comfortable asking questions if something seems incorrect and to engage in the “name game,” meaning to get to know team members' names and to make proper introductions to patients and their families.
It's not as trivial as it may seem, said Dr. Lucian Leape, a leading advocate on hospital safety. As many healthcare organizations grapple with the fundamental challenge of changing their cultures to make it possible to implement safe practices, he and others say any effort that helps to get the message across, is a good one. A myriad of mechanisms are needed. “A rap video will motivate some,” he said. “Like anything that increases awareness and leads to responsibility, it is worthwhile.”
Patient safety is a serious matter, but learning can be fun, added Dr. Ana Pujols-McKee, vice president and chief medical officer for the Joint Commission. A complete culture shift is no easy task, and making the message lively might help break down barriers so all employees feel empowered to speak up, she said.
The landmark Institute of Medicine report from 1999, To Err Is Human, found as many as 98,000 people die in hospitals each year as a result of medical errors that could have been prevented. Nearly 15 years after that report ignited concerns, the phrase “culture of safety” has crossed the lips of nearly every hospital official. But despite progress, the healthcare industry still struggles with making significant improvements, a panel of patient-safety leaders told the chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Primary Health and Aging during a July hearing.
Even though the video may be a bit cheesy, according to East Tennessee Children's Hospital's chief quality officer, Dr. Jeanann Pardue, efforts to get the message across have been working. The phrase “I have a concern” is now used by staff for both minor and potentially significant risks. “Great catches and near misses are being reported for learning and celebrated within all patient-care areas,” she said.
Getting people to be enthusiastic and engaged is part of the game, said Dr. Bob Wachter, who dressed like Elton John and sang in front of an audience of several thousand people at a hospital medicine conference this March.
“These sorts of things won't work for everyone but if they work for some, what's the harm!” he said.
Follow Sabriya Rice on Twitter: @sabriyarice
