Speaking up in the perioperative setting

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Patient Safety
• Organizational Psychology

Background:

• Patient safety is paramount in the perioperative environment.
• Effective communication and concern-raising are vital for maintaining safety.
• Existing structures for raising concerns may not fully support perioperative staff.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the role of Freedom to Speak Up Guardians.
• To examine the impact of this role on raising concerns in healthcare.
• To provide guidance on navigating concern-raising within perioperative settings.

Main Methods:

• Literature review on Freedom to Speak Up initiatives.
• Analysis of existing frameworks for staff concerns.
• Discussion of potential barriers and facilitators for Guardian access in perioperative areas.

Main Results:

• Freedom to Speak Up Guardians offer a dedicated channel for staff concerns.
• Restricted access to perioperative areas can impede Guardian effectiveness.
• Clear protocols are needed to integrate Guardians into the perioperative workflow.

Conclusions:

• Freedom to Speak Up Guardians are crucial for enhancing patient safety culture.
• Addressing access limitations is essential for optimizing Guardian support in perioperative care.
• Implementing clear communication strategies will empower staff to raise concerns effectively.