Culture of Reporting Errors
Discussion Reply
Hi class!
The facility I work at promotes both self-reporting errors as well as anonymous reporting for suspected abuse, neglect, or reporting of other staff members. These protocols allow for multiple avenues of reporting. Self-reporting promotes accountability. While anonymous reporting for promotes no retaliation when reporting, giving staff the confidence to report what their concerns without fear of consequences.
Gronewold et al., (2013) discusses in their article that the style of management around reporting errors makes a large difference in whether or not errors are reported. They come to the conclusion in their article that management styles that promote self-reporting follow up errors with education and peer review and other types of disciplinary review before moving on to suspension or termination. This is true in the case of my employer, our facility uses education and peer-checks when nurses make medications errors to ensure that the nurse who self-reported is applying the education to their practice.
Anonymous reporting is used to identify all types of problems, everything from errors to abuse and neglect. It can be used to report issues with management and the facility, families, staff, or other patients. As mandated reported we have a responsibility to report issues we see, however sometimes we can be hesitant for fear of repercussions. Rippstein (2007), identifies how verbal abuse frequently goes unaddressed in LTC, this is one of the things that can easily be reported anonymous without fear of consequence. Once reported, an investigation will be done, then if anything is discovered to be accurate about the report, action will be taken. It is important that we protect the patients, they are the first priority.
A culture of safety actually promotes accountability for actions, it teaches us to identify our own mistakes and be willing to take corrective measures to ensure patient safety. It also helps us be willing to keep our eyes open for safety violations around the facility that need to be rectified, knowing that reporting them will not immediately result in the termination of employees unless a patient was put severe danger. Promoting a culture of safety, one that promotes education first encourages all employees to participate in the culture.
Gronewold, Gold, A., & Salterio, S. E. (2013). Reporting Self-Made Errors: The Impact of Organizational Error-Management Climate and Error Type. Journal of Business Ethics, 117(1), 189–208.
Rippstein. (2007). If walls could talk: The lived experience of witnessing verbal abuse toward residents in long-term care facilities. ProQuest Dissertations Publishing.
