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Culture, Communication and Safety: Lessons from the Airline Industry

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Abstract

Background

Communication is a critical component of effective teamwork and both are essential elements in providing high quality of care to patients. Yet, communication is not an innate skill but a process influenced by internal (personal/cultural values) as well as external (professional roles and hierarchies) factors.

Objective

To provide illustrative cases, themes and tools for improving communication.

Methods

Literature review and consensus opinion based on extensive experience.

Results

Professional autonomy should be de-emphasized. Tools such as SBAR and simulation are important in communication and teamwork.

Conclusion

Tools designed to improve communication and safety in the aviation industry may have applicability to the pediatric intensive care unit.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatrics and Ethics Services, British Columbia Children’s Hospital, 4500 Oak Street, Room B245, Vancouver, BC, V6H 3N1, Canada

    Lori G. d’Agincourt-Canning, Niranjan Kissoon, Mona Singal & Alexander F. Pitfield

Authors
  1. Lori G. d’Agincourt-Canning
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  2. Niranjan Kissoon
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  3. Mona Singal
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  4. Alexander F. Pitfield
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Correspondence to Niranjan Kissoon.

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d’Agincourt-Canning, L.G., Kissoon, N., Singal, M. et al. Culture, Communication and Safety: Lessons from the Airline Industry. Indian J Pediatr 78, 703–708 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12098-010-0311-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12098-010-0311-y

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