Patient safety culture: theory, methods, and application, edited by Patrick Waterson, provides a solid foundational understanding of the principles of clinical safety systems that can be established in hospitals and healthcare facilities. Much of the book leverages from the experiences gained pioneering work undertaken in the aviation and air traffic management systems over the years.
Aeromedical examiners and specialists in aerospace medicine are in the fortunate position of understanding the operational environments of both industries – aviation and healthcare. This text provides valuable understanding of how the safety systems used widely in the aviation industry can be implemented within a healthcare setting, working to improve the safety culture within a healthcare setting to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
Aeromedical examiners and specialists in aerospace medicine often combine their experience in aviation medicine with other dimensions of clinical practice – including primary health care as well as hospital settings. By applying their experience and knowledge of safety management in aviation to other dimensions of clinical practice, aeromedical examiners and specialists in aerospace medicine can provide valuable assistance to improving patient safety culture.
I would heartily recommend this book for ASAM members who are interested in promoting patient safety through enhancing the patient safety culture of the organisations they work in.