Tips for a Successful Survey on Patient Safety Culture

February 2, 2012 | By: Calevir

The Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture is an invaluable diagnostic tool that allows you to look beyond the physical impression of your facility’s culture. AHRQ’s in-depth study of question formatting, wording, and categorizing has resulted in a highly reliable resource that can provide a detailed analysis of your patient safety culture. The results will provide supporting evidence of positive cultural improvements and locate areas of cultural weaknesses. AHRQ offers a national database so you can see how you measure up: Check out the 2012 Comparative Database Report!

But all too often, surveys are distributed, results are collected, and then… nothing happens. Staff quickly recognize when they are asked for feedback but don’t see results. So, to make the most from offering the survey at your facility, check out these tips from your peers:

Pre-survey: Plan in advance! Select a timeframe to conduct the survey that doesn’t overlap other questionnaires, such as employee satisfaction surveys.
2. Build the excitement before and during the survey period! Send emails, hang posters, promote the survey on your intranet site, tell staff in meetings, huddles, and when you pass them in the hallway. Promote and encourage anonymity for their honest feedback and participation in the survey process. Let staff know when and why you are asking for their input – and let them know what they can expect after the survey is over, such as the coordination of improvement teams and action plans. It may seem like a lot, but the implementation of even a few of these ideas will lead to higher response rates and, therefore, will more accurately reflect the culture in your organization.
Post-survey: Don’t limit the survey to distribution and collection only! The key to a successful survey cycle is a solid post-survey process. Have a plan to review the survey responses and create action plans to roll-out improvements within 6-8 weeks after the survey.

The Missouri Center for Patient Safety fully supports and encourages the use of the Survey on Patient Safety culture. Actually, we encourage it so much, we offer our services to promote and perform the survey at your facility in a customized online format. We can help with your pre- and post-survey needs as well. Want to learn more? Visit us online

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