Applauding a Good Catch

When it comes to ensure patient safety, flagging and addressing even the smallest concern can make a big difference. Making time to celebrate those ‘good catches’ helps build a culture that values respect, communication and teamwork.

In 2023, Kellogg’s Patient Safety Committee, led by Jennifer Weizer, M.D., initiated a High Reliability Award Program to recognize and reward staff members who take action to improve quality and safety.

The goal is to increase awareness and application of two Michigan Medicine human resource initiatives: Universal Relationship Skills and Universal Reliability Tools and Skills.

“Like all Health System employees, Kellogg faculty and staff receive training in constructive, respectful workplace communication and strategies to identify potential safety concerns before they lead to harm,” Dr. Weizer explains. “Our monthly High Reliability Awards reinforce that training and encourage everyone to speak up for safety.”

Each time faculty or staff notice a colleague taking a proactive step for safety, they are encouraged to nominate that person for the month’s award. A random drawing each month rewards one nominee and one nominator with a prize for each—a $25 gift card from Zingerman’s, a legendary Ann Arbor culinary destination. A center-wide email announces the winners and showcases all the month’s submissions.

A wide variety of ‘good catches’ and high reliability skills have been highlighted since the program launched. Respectfully questioning a surgical or medication instruction, confirming transcriptions of measurements to ensure there are no errors, and checking the readiness of equipment, materials or work areas have all resulted in recognition and in some cases, timely corrections.

“The contest has been very well-received,” says Dr. Weizer. “It’s about learning from each other’s experiences, and celebrating wins, big and small. It’s a positive way to encourage everyone to speak up for safety.

Header image caption: Beth Hansemann, B.S., COT, and Jennifer Weizer, M.D.