ABSTRACT

Ensuring patient safety is a key priority in healthcare. It is important to establish a culture of patient safety that promotes collaboration with patients, encourages the reporting and learning from mistakes, and supports healthcare professionals in minimizing errors. This project investigated the use of innovative technology to prevent near misses and adverse events, leading to better patient outcomes. The focus of this project was on how staff members, including nurses, leadership, and frontline workers at a rural hospital in Macomb, Illinois, can contribute to enhancing an existing patient safety program. The interdisciplinary team’s expertise played a crucial role in the success of this project. Research based on evidence-based practices demonstrated the effectiveness of new technologies and their long-term benefits for patient care. While initial data analysis did not reveal statistically significant results in safety culture surveys, feedback from staff and leadership highlighted the successful implementation of the new technology. Moving forward, recommendations include expanding the project to include advocacy reporting, conducting a safety culture reassessment in 2025, and providing ongoing training in root cause analysis. By continuously identifying areas of patient harm, this project aims to enhance the overall safety culture within the organization, ultimately ensuring patient well-being and reducing costs.