The nature of healthcare delivery and the nature of the environment within which we work presents unique challenges for healthcare organizations across the continuum of care and at all organizational levels looking to support and implement changes to improve safety and quality. All individuals within the organization, are leaders at certain times, whether 1:1 with a colleague or within a team.

While there are many programs that focus on individual leadership skills, this module focuses on the leadership skills necessary for culture change necessary for successfully implementing patient safety improvements within their unit or program.

Respect and an understanding for the contribution of all levels of leadership in an organization is essential from the board through to the front line. It is important to note that many view change as a criticism of the past when in fact change is necessary to prepare us for the future. The module concludes with practical activities that leaders can consider implementing to improve patient safety in their local environments.

This module will teach you about:

• the characteristics of learning organizations;
• the qualities of effective leadership;
• the levels of leadership and their contribution;
• the LEADS in a Caring Environment Leadership Capabilities Building Framework
• the impact of change;
• the relationship of quality of work life and patient safety; and
• patient safety initiatives / project ideas

Learning Objectives include:

• Describe how middle level managers and healthcare providers can facilitate change in the workplace and contribute to creating a learning organization that values patient safety.

Want to learn more? Download the module.

This document was revised in September 2017.

For more information, contact us at info@hec-esc.ca.