Principles for building a culture of excellence and safety
The purpose of this assignment is to discuss health care culture and describe how CWV can be used to improve ethical practices. In a 1,000-1,250 word essay, discuss the important factors associated with health care culture. Include the following in your essay:
- A definition of health care culture, including culture of excellence and safety.
- Two or three examples of principles for building a culture of excellence and safety.
- An explanation of the role of various stakeholders in improving health care culture.
- An explanation of how Christian worldview (CWV) principles might be used by healthcare organizations to improve ethical practices, whether they are Christian or not.
- Two or three examples of how the integration of faith learning and work at GCU can be implemented by individuals to improve health care culture.
Healthcare Culture
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Healthcare Culture
Principles for Building a Culture of Excellence and Safety
As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, examining the intricate web of cultural beliefs and values that underpin our understanding of health care and its delivery is essential. Healthcare culture refers to the values, beliefs, behaviors, and practices shaping how healthcare organizations and professionals interact with patients, colleagues, and the broader healthcare system (Henderson et al., 2018). A strong healthcare culture prioritizes patient safety, quality of care, and continuous improvement. A critical aspect of healthcare culture is the culture of excellence. This refers to the commitment to delivering the highest standards of care and achieving the best possible patient outcomes (Brady et al., 2023). A culture of excellence can be fostered by encouraging teamwork, continuous learning and development, and evidence-based practices. It also requires a commitment to transparency and accountability, where mistakes are acknowledged, learned from, and successes are celebrated and shared.
Another critical aspect of healthcare culture is the culture of safety. This involves the creation of a safe and supportive environment for patients, staff, and visitors (Alquwez et al., 2023). Healthcare organizations prioritizing safety foster trust and collaboration, where everyone is encouraged to report safety incidents and near-misses without fear of retribution. Safety is also enhanced through technology, such as electronic health records and medication dispensing systems, and evidence-based practices, such as hand hygiene and infection control measures. To create a culture of excellence and safety, healthcare organizations must prioritize the development of their staff (Murray et al., 2018). This involves providing ongoing training, education, and opportunities for career advancement and professional growth. Staff engagement and communication are also essential, with open and transparent communication channels allowing staff to voice their concerns and ideas for improvement. Healthcare culture plays a vital role in shaping patients’ quality of care (Flaherty & Bartels, 2019). A culture of excellence and safety is essential for providing the highest standards of care and ensuring patients feel safe and supported throughout their healthcare journey. Achieving this requires continuous improvement, ongoing education and training, and a focus on transparency and accountability. This essay will explore principles for building a culture of excellence and safety, the role of various stakeholders in improving healthcare culture, how healthcare organizations might use Christian worldview (CWV) principles to improve ethical practices, and finally, look at how the integration of faith learning and work at GCU can be implemented by individuals to improve health care culture.
Principles for Building a Culture of Excellence and Safety
Clear Communication and Teamwork
Clear communication and teamwork are essential principles for building a culture of excellence and safety. Effective communication among team members is necessary to ensure everyone is on the same page and working towards the same goals (Salas et al., 2018). When everyone knows what is expected of them and what they need to do to achieve those expectations, it creates a sense of trust and collaboration within the team. Good communication also helps to prevent misunderstandings and mistakes that can lead to accidents and injuries. Teamwork is also critical in building a culture of excellence and safety (Bourgault & Goforth, 2021). When team members work together, they can share their knowledge and skills to identify potential hazards and develop solutions to mitigate them. Collaboration can also promote a sense of ownership and accountability, which can help team members take responsibility for their actions and work towards a common goal. Overall, clear communication and teamwork are vital components in creating a culture of excellence and safety. By emphasizing these principles, organizations can foster an environment where employees feel supported, valued, and empowered to contribute to the success of the team and the organization as a whole.
Continuous Learning and Improvement
The principle of continuous learning and improvement is a crucial component of building a culture of excellence and safety. This principle entails a commitment to ongoing education and training and a willingness to embrace change and innovation (Oke & Fernandes, 2020). Organizations can stay abreast of industry developments and best practices by prioritizing continuous learning and improvement and adapting to new challenges and opportunities. This allows them to remain competitive and relevant in their respective fields while enhancing their overall safety and performance. Furthermore, when employees are encouraged and supported in their pursuit of ongoing education and skill development, they are more engaged, motivated, and invested in their work (Chanana, 2021). This can lead to increased job satisfaction and loyalty, as well as improved performance and productivity. To successfully implement continuous learning and improvement, organizations should establish clear goals and metrics for measuring progress, provide adequate resources and support for learning and development initiatives, and foster a culture of open communication and feedback. By doing so, they can create an environment where continuous improvement is encouraged, expected, and celebrated.
Empowering and engaging employees
Empowering and engaging employees is critical for building an organization’s culture of excellence and safety. Empowering employees involves giving them the necessary tools, resources, and authority to take ownership of their work and make decisions that impact the organization (Rigby & Ryan, 2018). Engaging employees involves creating a work environment that encourages open communication, active participation, and collaboration. When employees feel empowered and employed, they are more likely to be committed to their work and take pride in their work, leading to a culture of excellence. Furthermore, when employees are empowered and engaged, they are more likely to identify and report safety hazards and work together to find solutions, leading to a culture of safety (Wei et al., 2020). Overall, empowering and engaging employees is critical in building a culture of excellence and security, leading to better organizational performance, improved employee morale, and a safer work environment.
Role of Stakeholders in Improving Health Care Culture
The Role of Healthcare Organizations
Healthcare organizations play a crucial role in shaping and improving the healthcare culture. These organizations are responsible for promoting a positive culture that prioritizes patient safety, transparency, and accountability (Lark et al., 2018). To achieve this, healthcare organizations must actively communicate and collaborate with all stakeholders, including healthcare providers, patients, and families. They must also foster a culture that supports continuous learning and improvement by providing education, training, and professional development opportunities. Additionally, healthcare organizations must be open to stakeholder feedback and use it to make meaningful changes that enhance the patient experience and overall quality of care.
The Role of Healthcare Providers
Healthcare providers, including physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals, directly impact the culture of healthcare. They are responsible for delivering high-quality care that is patient-centered, compassionate, and evidence-based (Yaqoob Mohammed Al Jabri et al., 2021). To improve the healthcare culture, providers must prioritize patient safety and quality of care above all else. This includes engaging in open and honest communication with patients and their families, actively seeking feedback and engaging in continuous learning and improvement. Providers must also be aware of their biases and work to eliminate them to ensure equitable care for all patients.
The Role of Patients and Families
Patients and their families are essential stakeholders in healthcare culture. They have unique perspectives and experiences that can contribute to improving the healthcare culture. Patients and families must be engaged in decision-making processes and have a voice in the design and delivery of care (McCarron et al., 2020). They must also be empowered to provide feedback and share their experiences with healthcare providers and organizations. Additionally, patients and families can promote a culture of safety by advocating for their own care and reporting any concerns or incidents.
The Role of Regulatory Agencies
Regulatory agencies, such as the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Joint Commission, are critical in improving the healthcare culture. These agencies are responsible for setting and enforcing standards that promote patient safety and quality of care (Bates & Singh, 2018). They must also hold healthcare organizations and providers accountable for meeting these standards. Additionally, regulatory agencies must actively seek input from stakeholders, including patients and families, to ensure that standards and regulations are relevant and practical. By working closely with healthcare organizations and providers, regulatory agencies can help create a culture of transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement in healthcare.
Christian Worldview Principles for Improving Ethical Practices
Christian worldview (CWV) is the beliefs, values, and assumptions underlying the Christian faith. It is a comprehensive view of reality that shapes how Christians think about and interact with the world around them (Jennings et al., 2021). The Christian worldview is centered on the belief that God created the universe and all that is in it and that humanity was created in His image. At the core of the Christian worldview is the belief that God is sovereign and that everything in the universe is subject to His authority. Christians believe that God is loving and just and that He created human beings to have a relationship with Him (Bowie, 2021). This relationship was broken when humanity sinned, and the world has been marked by sin and brokenness. However, Christians also believe that God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to reconcile humanity to Himself and to restore the world to its original design.
The Christian worldview also includes a set of values and ethical principles that guide how Christians should live their lives. These values have love, compassion, forgiveness, and justice (Kuusisto et al., 2021). Christians believe that they are called to love and serve others, just as Jesus did, and work towards society’s common good. Finally, the Christian worldview provides a framework for understanding humanity’s ultimate purpose and destiny. Christians believe life’s ultimate goal is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. They also believe in heaven and hell and that each person will spend eternity in one of these places based on their relationship with God. The Christian worldview is a comprehensive and integrated view of reality that shapes how Christians understand and engage with the world around them. It is grounded in the belief that God is sovereign and has a plan and purpose for the world and humanity.
Application of CWV Principles in Healthcare Organizations
CWV (Christian Worldview) principles are rooted in the belief that all things in life, including healthcare, should be approached with a God-centered perspective. Firstly, healthcare organizations that apply CWV principles prioritize the sanctity of human life (Pocock et al., 2018). CWV principles dictate that all individuals, regardless of their physical or mental state, are made in the image of God and are, therefore, inherently valuable. This means that healthcare organizations must prioritize the preservation of life, even when it is difficult or costly to do so. This includes providing life-saving treatments and palliative care to patients who are terminally ill or in critical condition. Secondly, healthcare organizations that apply CWV principles strongly emphasize patient-centered care (Litwin et al., 2019). This means that healthcare professionals prioritize the needs and preferences of their patients above all else. This includes treating patients with compassion, empathy, and respect and taking the time to understand their unique medical histories and concerns. In addition, healthcare organizations that apply CWV principles understand that patients have spiritual and emotional and physical needs, and they seek to address these needs through holistic care.
Thirdly, healthcare organizations that apply CWV principles strive to maintain high ethical and moral standards. This includes upholding the biblical principles of honesty, integrity, and accountability in all aspects of healthcare practice (Fute et al., 2022). Healthcare professionals who adhere to these principles will always act in the best interests of their patients and will never compromise their moral or ethical standards, even in challenging situations. Finally, healthcare organizations that apply CWV principles recognize the importance of faith and spirituality in the healing process (Caballero, 2018). Ill or injured patients often experience fear, anxiety, and emotional distress. Healthcare organizations that apply CWV principles seek to address these issues by providing spiritual support and counseling to patients and their families. This can include prayer, scripture reading, pastoral care, support groups, and other resources that help patients find comfort and hope in their faith. Healthcare organizations that apply CWV principles prioritize the sanctity of human life, patient-centered care, ethical and moral standards, and spiritual support and counseling. These principles can help healthcare professionals provide compassionate, effective care that addresses their patients’ physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
Application of CWV Principles for Non-Christian Healthcare Organizations
The Christian worldview (CWV) principles are a set of values and beliefs derived from the Bible’s teachings. These principles are used to guide the behavior and decision-making of Christians in their personal and professional lives. While these principles were initially designed for Christians, they can also be applied to non-Christian healthcare organizations. One of the primary principles of CWV is the belief in every human life’s inherent value and dignity (Elmallah et al., 2022). This principle can be applied to non-Christian healthcare organizations by promoting a patient-centered approach to care. This means that healthcare providers should prioritize patients’ needs and preferences while respecting their autonomy and right to make informed decisions about their care. Another fundamental principle of CWV is the belief in the importance of compassion and empathy (Hoffman, 2020). In non-Christian healthcare organizations, this principle can be applied by encouraging healthcare providers to develop strong interpersonal skills and actively listen to patients’ concerns. By demonstrating compassion and empathy, healthcare providers can build trust with their patients, leading to better health outcomes and patient satisfaction.
The CWV principle of integrity can also be applied to non-Christian healthcare organizations. This principle emphasizes the importance of honesty, transparency, and ethical behavior (Taştan & Davoudi, 2019). Healthcare providers in non-Christian organizations can apply this principle by ensuring that they are always acting in the best interests of their patients, by providing accurate information about their care, and upholding high standards of professionalism and ethical conduct. Finally, the CWV principle of stewardship can be applied to non-Christian healthcare organizations by emphasizing the responsible use of resources (Heurtebise, 2017). Healthcare providers should strive to provide high-quality care while minimizing waste and inefficiency. By applying this principle, healthcare organizations can improve their overall quality of care while reducing costs and improving patient outcomes. While the Christian worldview principles were initially developed for Christians, they can also be applied to non-Christian healthcare organizations. By promoting a patient-centered approach to care, demonstrating compassion and empathy, upholding high standards of ethical behavior, and emphasizing responsible use of resources, non-Christian healthcare organizations can improve the overall quality of care they provide to their patients.
Examples of Integration of Faith Learning and Work at GCU for Improving Health Care Culture
Ethical Decision-Making
At Grand Canyon University, integrating faith, learning, and work in the healthcare sector is a top priority. One way this is achieved is by promoting ethical decision-making (Green & Chen, 2019). Healthcare professionals face complex ethical dilemmas regularly and must have a solid foundation of values and principles to guide their decision-making process. GCU’s faith-based approach encourages healthcare professionals to use the Bible and Christian teachings as a framework for ethical decision-making (Bass et al., 2017). The university offers courses and training that focus on ethical considerations and decision-making, and students are encouraged to reflect on how their faith can inform their actions in healthcare settings. This approach helps healthcare professionals to make decisions that align with their values and to provide compassionate care that respects the dignity and worth of each patient.
Patient-Centered Care
Another example of integrating faith, learning, and work at GCU is the emphasis on patient-centered care. GCU recognizes that each patient has unique needs and preferences (MacFarlane, 2019). As such, the university encourages healthcare professionals to provide care tailored to each patient’s specific needs and desires. This approach to care is rooted in the Christian belief that every person is created in the image of God and deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. GCU offers courses and training on patient-centered care that emphasize the importance of building relationships with patients (Hoddinott et al., 2018), actively listening to their concerns, and involving them in decision-making. By integrating faith, learning, and work in this way, healthcare professionals at GCU are better equipped to provide compassionate care that meets the needs of each patient.
Diversity and Inclusion
GCU also recognizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in healthcare settings. The university believes that every individual is a unique creation of God and deserves to be treated with respect and dignity, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, or any other characteristic (Andualem, 2021). GCU encourages healthcare professionals to recognize and celebrate the diversity of their patients and colleagues and to create inclusive environments that welcome and embrace individuals from all backgrounds. The university offers courses and training on cultural competence and diversity, which help healthcare professionals better understand the experiences and perspectives of people from different backgrounds. By integrating faith, learning, and work in this way, GCU promotes a culture of respect, understanding, and inclusion that enhances patient care quality.
Conclusion
In conclusion, developing a culture of excellence and safety in healthcare is crucial for providing high-quality care to patients. Healthcare organizations can create a culture that promotes ethical practices and patient-centered care through clear communication, continuous learning and improvement and empowering employees. Stakeholders such as healthcare providers, patients and families, regulatory agencies, and healthcare organizations all have a role to play in improving the healthcare culture. Integration of Christian Worldview principles and faith learning at Grand Canyon University can also enhance ethical practices and promote diversity and inclusion in healthcare organizations. Building a culture of excellence and safety is essential for improving patient outcomes and ensuring that healthcare remains a vital aspect of our society.
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