Many of us think that the human (sapiens) brain can outperform anything that a close relative like a chimpanzee can do. This fascinating and illuminating video overturns this misconception: One theory for this almost photographic memory chimpanzees display is that it’s an evolutionary trait which for example helps them remember […]
Obstacles To Patient Safety
Change is Hard
Standard Economic Theory Doesn’t Apply
The standard theory of how markets work is the model of supply and demand. That model has several notable features: 1. The main interested parties are the buyers and sellers in the market. 2. Buyers are good judges of what they get from sellers. 3. Buyers pay sellers directly for […]
Normalisation of Deviance
Social normalisation of deviance means that people within the organization become so much accustomed to a deviant behavior that they don’t consider it as deviant, despite the fact they exceed their own rules for the elementary safety. People grow more accustomed to the deviant behavior the more it occurs . […]
Greed & Corruption
Social Conformity & Groupthink
Groupthink: A cultural phenomenon where group-self-reflection is discouraged to preserve group identity and unity. A mythical experiment is often used to illustrate groupthink – 5 hungry monkeys in a cage attack any monkey in the cage who tries to grab a banana – an experimental punishment dished out to the […]
Reputation
Malcolm Gladwell presents an absolutely fascinating story about Wilt Chamberlain an NBA basketball star who managed to score 100 points himself in a game – yes 100. What was even more fascinating was the fact that Wilt made 28 of his 100 points from the free throw line. Why Gladwell […]
Key Performance Indicators
Competition
Competition can help drive improvement up to a point, after which it may perpetuate unnecessary harm. We’re nurtured in competitive environments from an early age. Throughout school we’re constantly being graded and ranked. We are conditioned to compete. When a peer makes a mistake they may be perceived as lesser […]
12. Bullying, Threats & Intimidation
If patient safety is to improve healthcare needs to change. The historical top down approach which has hindered improvement requires a transition into one where decisions are driven from the front line. Those corporations who’ve introduced front line driven frameworks (e.g. Toyota Production System – see here) provide the highest quality in […]