A plan for achieving significant improvement in patient safety

Improvement in systems that ensure safety in the provision of care is a high priority to hospital administrators, clinicians, and patients. Research to determine the approaches and methods that will result in the most significant patient safety improvements is underway but more is needed. This article describes the process for improving patient safety adopted at one hospital. Results of these efforts demonstrate significant improvement in staff understanding of patient safety measures. Staff survey results are supported by improvement in clinical indicators. Recommendations for future action and implications for other hospitals are discussed.