When presenting an overview of safety events to a hospital's board, what is the most effective approach?

Presenting cases of harm along with their contributing root causes and the actions taken is an effective approach for several reasons. It provides the board with concrete examples that illustrate the real impact of safety events on patients' lives. By discussing specific cases, the presentation creates a sense of urgency and importance around patient safety, emphasizing that these are not just abstract statistics but real events that affect individuals.

Presenting root causes allows board members to understand the underlying issues that contributed to these safety events, fostering a more comprehensive understanding of the systems in place. This can lead to more meaningful discussions about necessary improvements or changes within the organization. Additionally, sharing actions taken demonstrates the organization's commitment to addressing these safety events and continuous improvement, reassuring the board that efforts are being made to enhance patient safety outcomes.

While other approaches can provide valuable information, focusing on specific cases creates a narrative that can engage board members emotionally, leading to greater buy-in for safety initiatives and the resources needed to implement effective changes.