Creating a Just Culture: The Ottawa Hospital's experience

We describe The Ottawa Hospital's (TOH) journey to create a Just Culture. We will describe the concept of a Just Culture, why TOH initiated this transformation, how TOH went about creating the Just Culture, and some of its early impacts. Following two events that called into question our hospital's safety culture, the hospital leadership adopted a deliberate and methodical organization-wide approach to change. These efforts included generating leadership commitment, incorporating the efforts within its corporate strategy, obtaining stakeholder engagement, developing and delivering an education program, and last but not least, efforts to improve safety systems. TOH has attempted to develop an increased focus on safety-for staff, visitors, and patients. The Ottawa Hospital has had demonstrable success throughout this journey as a result of a disciplined effort to create a Just Culture. This work will require ongoing efforts to ensure the culture shift is sustained.