Leadership rounds that include interactions with frontline staff can foster psychologic safety, which can lead to open problem-solving, according to a study published in the American Journal of Infection Control.
Researchers studied unit-based leadership rounds focused on healthcare-associated infections. Two hospital leaders led the rounds at a large academic hospital. Researchers observed rounds in 19 units.
The study shows staff members disclosed unit-specific problems and engaged in problem-solving with the hospital leaders. These themes appeared 350-plus times within 22 rounds
Additionally, leaders used words that demonstrated fallibility and modeled curiosity, which are two factors associated with learning climate and psychologic safety. The flexible nature of the rounds also seemed to be conducive for reflection and evaluation.
"Discovering specific communication and structural factors that contribute to psychologic safety may be powerful in reducing HAIs," study authors concluded.