“War Gaming” for Patient Safety
Over a decade ago, I consulted on a project for the U.S. Air Force involving very large-scale simulations. These "war games" involved more than 1,500… Read More »“War Gaming” for Patient Safety
Organizational and Cultural Change
Hospitals Helping Hospitals Improve Patient Safety
The moment that an accreditation team shows up unannounced can spike the pulse of even the most seasoned hospital executive. The next several days will… Read More »Hospitals Helping Hospitals Improve Patient Safety
How Teamwork Can Reduce Missed Diagnoses
Every American will experience a missed or delayed diagnosis at some point in his or her lifetime. Saying that is not a scare tactic —… Read More »How Teamwork Can Reduce Missed Diagnoses
How the Flint Water Crisis Is a Cautionary Tale for Health Care
There has been no shortage of blame for the poisoning of Flint, Michigan's water supply. In March, a governor-appointed task force issued a report that… Read More »How the Flint Water Crisis Is a Cautionary Tale for Health Care
It’s Not All About the Checklist: The Power of Believing and Belonging
Trine Engebretsen was clinging to life. It was the early 1980s, and the girl had a genetic liver disorder that would kill her if she… Read More »It’s Not All About the Checklist: The Power of Believing and Belonging
Patient Care: What’s Love Got to Do with It?
Talking to health care professionals about the importance of loving your patients and colleagues — as I often do — might raise eyebrows. How can we be… Read More »Patient Care: What’s Love Got to Do with It?
Seeking the Right Stuff for Teams: In the Hospital or Distant Space
Wanted: Talented, highly driven individuals to take on multiyear work assignment with potential for benefiting humankind. Requires the highest levels of technical skill, teamwork and… Read More »Seeking the Right Stuff for Teams: In the Hospital or Distant Space
Patient Safety at 15: How Much Have We Grown?
Fifteen-year anniversaries often come and go without fuss, overlooked in favor of those we can mark in full decades. Yet recently, at Johns Hopkins and… Read More »Patient Safety at 15: How Much Have We Grown?
Turning Health Care Improvement Training into Results
Maybe you've had this experience: You attend a workshop or conference to build your skill set, you pick up new strategies and tools, and you… Read More »Turning Health Care Improvement Training into Results
To Engage Physicians in Cost Savings, Start with Quality
Like a pro golfer swears by a certain brand of clubs or a marathon runner has a chosen make of shoes, surgeons can form strong… Read More »To Engage Physicians in Cost Savings, Start with Quality