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Speak Up? |
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As we review our MUHA AHRQ Culture of Safety results, there is one common finding across most areas: reluctance by front line staff to confront those with more authority; although 73% of staff report that they would speak up if they see a safety threat, only 44% feel free to question the decisions of those with more authority. This is comparable to benchmark numbers of 72% and 45%, respectively. As power gradients are a direct result of the hierarchies in healthcare, what can be done? Training in assertive communication techniques may help. As published in the Journal of Nursing Care Quality, a qualitative study measured the perceptions of nurses on their ability to be assertive before and after an educational intervention; post intervention questionnaires did demonstrate an improved willingness to speak up. Much more work needs to be done in this area to improve a culture of safety.
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