Culture of Safety
44ICU is committed to a Culture of Safety. In any complex environment, errors will occur. In order to improve patient safety, we have both and electronic safety event management system (SEMS) and a card-based error reporting system. This system allows us in a non-punitive fashion to identify issues that can affect patient safety and offer feedback on a monthly basis to the involved parties. Reportable errors range from something that almost occurred (near miss), to an error that reaches the patient, but does not cause harm, to an error that reaches the patient that does cause harm. SAFE cards are yellow cards that are present in multiple locations in the ICU (computer stations, work room, charge nurse) that residents should fill out when they believe a mistake has been made or was nearly made. It is optional whether the resident reporting the incident includes their name on a report. Events can also be entered into the electronic submission can also be done in the EMR link using a convenient “Quick Submit” feature in SEMS. If you are unable to find SEMS, a SAFE card or where to place it, please contact an ICU fellow or charge RN. When finished, please place cards in boxes in each med room (or in Carrie Sona’s office slot). These cards are reviewed each month with the affected parties and necessary action is taken as indicated. A pre-rotation quiz that covers the various aspects of the SICU should be received and completed by each housestaff officer PRIOR to starting the SICU rotation.