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The JCAHO looks to the aviation industry to improve patient safety

Staff Development Weekly: Insight on Evidence-Based Practice in Education, July 29, 2005

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To improve communication and increase patient safety, the JCAHO wants healthcare organizations to mimic the "high-reliability" of the aviation industry. For effective communication, teach staff the following strategies used by aviation professionals:

1. Recognize barriers to effective communication. Some barriers include power differences, passivity or passive-aggression, and problems among team members.

2. Practice effective communication. Some techniques include being assertive, remaining calm, and using the chain of command, when necessary.

3. Approach emergency situations with high-risk communication. High-risk communication techniques include capturing the person's attention, stating salient information, and stating the action(s) needed.

Editor's note: The above tip was given by Karen Tomajan, MS, RN, BC, CRRN, director of education and organizational development at OU Medical Center in Oklahoma City. The entire article will be featured in the August 2005 issue of Competency Management Advisor, an HCPro, Inc. publication.

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