When Farina Khan, MSN, RN and Karlin Ewing, BSN, RN became new leaders, they identified challenges in the Cath Lab and Interventional Services Department that can result from leader turnover. Their initial focus was to establish a culture of safety. Farina collaborated with the Kaiser Permanente Regional Risk Management and Patient Safety Team to support this process. Staff were encouraged to speak up and share their ideas.

At first, the team was uncertain how to create a change that would be sustainable. Through team-building activities and new approaches to voicing concerns, the team began to engage more actively. Following these interventions, there was a notable reduction in safety reports, compliance complaints, and quality action plans. Teamwork strengthened, leading to greater collaboration in patient care delivery. and a speak up culture. The team’s Engagement Survey scores increased, reflecting improved morale and cooperation. Simulation sessions helped staff gain confidence in using closed-loop communication, allowing them to clarify their reasoning during critical situations. Staff now participate more actively and show greater initiative.

The regional Team Stepps initiative, is a playbook that teaches healthcare teams how to communicate clearly and back each other up — just like a championship sports team — to ensure patients stay safe, functioned as more than a program, demonstrating the outcomes associated with transformational leadership. By enabling each team member to take on leadership responsibilities, patient care and department metrics improved, and a shared sense of purpose was established. This process required consistent commitment from all participants, and the results have been significant. The achievements reflect measurable change within the team.