Leadership and Patient Safety: A Review of the Literature

The safety of patients in the health care system has long been a concern, but despite many positive changes in practice, health systems, and regulations, the desired level of safety remains unachieved. The competency of health care leaders to create positive work environments and manage constant change is essential to the success of teams and organizations. A review of the literature identified what appears to be a critical ingredient, the creation of learning cultures to promote patient safety. Further investigation revealed the relationship of principles related to leadership and a strong safety culture in helping achieve a learning culture.