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The effect of organisational culture on patient safety

Gerri Kaufman Lecturer in health sciences and continuing professional development lead, Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York

Dorothy McCaughan Research fellow, Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York

This article explores the links between organisational culture and patient safety. The key elements associated with a safety culture, most notably effective leadership, good teamwork, a culture of learning and fairness, and fostering patient-centred care, are discussed. The broader aspects of a systems approach to promoting quality and safety, with specific reference to clinical governance, human factors, and ergonomics principles and methods, are also briefly explored, particularly in light of the report of the public inquiry into care failings at Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust.

Nursing Standard. 27, 43, 50-56. doi: 10.7748/ns2013.06.27.43.50.e7280

Peer review

This article has been subject to double blind peer review

Received: 01 December 2012

Accepted: 11 March 2013

Keywords :

patient safety - human factors - professional issues - organisational culture - management - leadership - patient-centred care - Francis Report - Mid Staffs - Stafford Hospital