How Emergency Managers Can Collaborate More Effectively in the Patient Safety Space

As shifts occur at the federal level and we begin to feel the ripple effects on our operations and information flow, emergency managers may increasingly feel isolated within their roles. Many of us operate without a dedicated emergency management team and often juggle multiple responsibilities, limiting the time we can devote solely to emergency preparedness and response.

So, how can we extend our reach and amplify our impact within our facilities?

One powerful strategy is to collaborate with internal partners, particularly patient safety officers. Whether or not you currently engage with them, patient safety professionals bring a wealth of expertise that aligns closely with emergency management principles. Here are several areas where our roles intersect:

1. Root Cause Analysis (RCA):  Patient safety officers routinely lead RCAs to investigate incidents and identify systemic issues, much like the after-action reviews conducted by emergency managers. Both processes aim to uncover root causes and implement sustainable improvements.

   
   

2. Patient Safety Rounding:  These rounds provide opportunities to engage with frontline staff, identify safety concerns, and assess infrastructure and workflow challenges. By joining these rounds, emergency managers can simultaneously evaluate awareness of emergency protocols and gather valuable feedback.

   
   

3. Huddles, Briefs, and Debriefs:  These structured communication methods are staples in patient safety programs and mirror the “hotwash” process used in emergency management. They offer consistent, shift-wide opportunities to share updates, gather insights, and reinforce lessons learned from recent events.

   
   

4. Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) Cycles:  Patient safety teams use PDSA cycles to test and refine solutions on a small scale before broader implementation. Similarly, emergency managers use risk-based planning, training, and exercises to evaluate and enhance response capabilities. Both disciplines rely on iterative improvement to build resilience.

From supply chain disruptions to emerging infectious diseases to workplace violence, the challenges we face are complex and evolving. By partnering with patient safety officers, emergency managers can leverage shared goals, enhance communication, and foster a culture of safety and preparedness across the organization.

For more information, contact Ryan Weaver, MBA, BSN, RN, CPPS, CHEP, manager, emergency management.