Authors

  1. Saladino, Louise DNP, RN, CCRN
  2. Pickett, Lisa Clark MD, FACS
  3. Frush, Karen MD
  4. Mall, Anna BS, RN, CCRN
  5. Champagne, Mary T. PhD, RN, FAAN

Abstract

This implementation of a formalized safety program in a critical care unit highlights the importance of the "voice of the caregiver," as it relates to patient safety. This nurse-led program featured executive walkrounds and a multidisciplinary core team whose goal was to prioritize and resolve safety issues identified during the 6-month study period. Unit nurses' scores on the Safety Attitudes Questionnaire remained stable from July 2011 to February 2012. Staff identified 77 safety issues during executive walkrounds; 57% were resolved during the study period. Results indicate the clinical significance of nurse-led patient safety programs.