Wright-Patt Medical Center receives praise for patient safety culture

The Wright-Patterson Medical Center was designated as a “High-Performing Facility” in the recent Culture of Patient Safety Survey conducted by the Defense Health Agency (DHA).

Out of 22 facilities identified as large facilities in the DHA, the Wright-Patterson Medical Center was one of three facilities identified in the high-performance group along with Naval Hospital Jacksonville, and Naval Medical Center San Diego Hospital.

The results of the analysis aim to shed light on the specific differences large facilities encompass to implement a culture of patient safety and innovation.

The top three differences between high and average-to-low performing facilities as noted in the survey of Medical Center staff include a higher level of agreement with the following statements:

“We are given opportunities to try out solutions to workflow problems.”

“Mistakes have led to positive changes here.”

“We are involved in making decisions about changes to our work processes.”

It was important for DHA to understand the unique challenges and strengths in patient safety culture when employment numbers in an MTF surpass 1,500. The dynamics of a large military treatment facility with inpatient, outpatient, surgical, graduate medical education, and extensive pharmacy capabilities are very different than those healthcare facilities deemed as outpatient clinics.

With approximately 2,000 employees serving over 62,000 beneficiaries, one of WPMC’s highest priorities is to instill a culture of patient safety throughout its workforce.

88th Medical Group Commander, Col Mike Foutch, shared comments on the survey results: “This recognition from DHA actively demonstrates WPMC’s involvement in the trusted care journey. Leadership engagement on every level has been a key to our success because the Wright-Patt team feels comfortable sharing concerns and ideas for improvement alike. This contributes to preventing patient harm, performing continuous process improvement events, and ensuring everyone is “on the same page” to promote a strong culture of patient (and staff) safety.”

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