Making Healthcare Safe: The Story of the Patient Safety Movement

Lucian L. Leape, MD, has written a ground-breaking book on the patient safety movement in the US, covering the growth of the field from the late 1980s to 2015. It details how and why human and systems errors occur in providing health care and promotes an understanding of the principles and practices of patient safety. The book emphasizes how the growing awareness of systems-design thinking and the self-education and commitment to improving patient safety drove forward the movement.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 450 pages
Publication date: 29 May 2021
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This unique and engaging open access title offers a compelling and groundbreaking account of the patient safety movement in the United States, presented from the perspective of one of its most prominent leaders, and arguably the movement's founder, Lucian L. Leape, MD. Spanning the growth of the field from the late 1980s to 2015, Dr. Leape provides a detailed account of the developments, actors, organizations, research, and policy-making activities that marked the evolution and significant advancements of patient safety during this period. In addition, and perhaps most importantly, this book goes beyond merely detailing how and why human and systems errors occur frequently in the provision of healthcare. It also promotes an in-depth understanding of the principles and practices of patient safety, including how they have been influenced by modern safety sciences and systems theory and design. Indeed, the book emphasizes how the growing awareness of systems-design thinking and the self-education and commitment to improving patient safety, driven by not only Dr. Leape but a wide range of other clinicians and health executives from both the private and public sectors, converged to propel the patient safety movement forward in the US.

Making Healthcare Safe is organized into four parts:

I. In the Beginning: This section explores the research and theory that defined patient safety and the early initiatives aimed at enhancing it. It provides a historical backdrop to the movement and sheds light on the foundational concepts that shaped its development.

II. Institutional Responses: This section tells the stories of the major organizations that began to apply the new concepts and make patient safety a reality. These stories are often untold, making this account their histories as well. It provides a comprehensive account of the efforts and achievements of these organizations in promoting patient safety.

III. Getting to Work: This section offers in-depth analyses of four key issues that cut across disciplinary lines and impact patient safety. These issues include communication, teamwork, leadership, and safety culture. By examining these issues from various perspectives, the book provides a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities in improving patient safety.

IV. Looking Ahead. This section provides a forward-looking perspective on the future of patient safety. It discusses the ongoing challenges and opportunities in the field, as well as the potential for further advancements and innovations. It also highlights the importance of continued collaboration and commitment among healthcare professionals, policymakers, and researchers to achieve sustainable improvements in patient safety.

In conclusion, Making Healthcare Safe is a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the history, principles, and practices of patient safety. It offers a comprehensive and insightful account of the patient safety movement in the United States, presented from the perspective of one of its most influential leaders. By providing a deep understanding of the factors that have shaped the movement and its progress, the book empowers healthcare professionals and stakeholders to drive forward continuous improvements in patient safety and quality of care.

Weight: 708g
Dimension: 156 x 230 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030711252
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021