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fatigue mats while working. "Anything that enhances their comfort
should improve their cognitive and physical reserves, which would let
them focus on providing safe patient care," says Dr. Seagull.
Prioritizing protection
Dr. Foley's research has taught her that staff members typically adapt to
the environment they're in. "They need to be taught the right way to do
things and know that you'll hold surgeons and staff members account-
able when safety polices aren't followed," she says. "That takes a lot of
integrity on your part."
It's the staff members who are in the line of fire who must take own-
ership in efforts to protect themselves, says Dr. Seagull. "The solu-
tions to these problems come from the people who are closest to
them," he says. "A little bit of education about employee safety can go
a long way toward empowering them to come up with their own solu-
tions."
A culture change might also be needed. The most experienced surgical
professionals are closing in on retirement, so there's been a great amount
of interest in improving the training of the next generation who will take
their place at the table, says Dr. Foley. Where others see staffing gaps that
need to be filled, Dr. Foley sees opportunity to teach the importance of
staff safety as young professionals embark on their careers in surgery.
OSM
