Join the Chiropractic Association of Alberta and other leading organizations who have committed to building a just culture for their patients’ safety
Why a just culture is important
A just culture is an environment of trust in which healthcare workers are supported and treated fairly when patient care does not go as intended. In this environment, people speak up to prevent incidents and to report when something could go wrong. A just culture, effective reporting systems, and the will to learn and improve, all contribute to a safe culture. In a safe culture, organizations balance proactive and reactive strategies so everyone who receives and provides care is kept from all forms of preventable harm.
Strengthening a just culture starts with an organizational commitment supported by policies and procedures. Find out how the Chiropractic Association of Alberta (CAA) is creating a just culture.
Just culture in chiropractic care
Cecilia Bloxom, CEO of CAA, along with her Board of Directors, led the development of a Just Culture Position Statement. This necessary first step demonstrates the CAA’s commitment to safety, learning, and shared accountability. Working with Dr. Ward Flemons, vice-chair of health analytics, quality and safety in the Department of Medicine and professor of medicine at the University of Calgary, and Deborah E. Prowse, KC, a patient safety lived-experience advocate, the statement was developed at a board retreat as part of their strategic plan highlighting a culture of safety and innovation driving evidence-based care.
“With this foundation in place, CAA can next set the structures needed to implement a reporting and learning system. How we respond to a reporting and learning environment will continue to nurture CAA’s just and safe culture,” says Cecilia.
“Going forward, CAA’s vision is to embed safety, evidence, and sustainability into everyday practice by promoting outcome-based care and encouraging collaboration with other health professionals. By leveraging academic partnerships and innovative initiatives, chiropractors will build public trust, influence health policy, and position chiropractors as essential contributors to a resilient healthcare system,” adds Cecilia.
Health Quality Alberta resources
Show your commitment by viewing our resources to steadily create and strengthen a safe and just culture:
- Review or draft your organization’s just culture principles.
- Promote the principles and encourage your team to take this short, free Just culture e-learning course so they understand why a just culture is important.
- Ensure key staff have the in-depth knowledge to complete a Just Individual Assessment and Systematic Systems Analysis by taking one of our free workshops available.
- Create, or update, a just culture policy to clarify expectations and processes.
- Continuously assess and improve your culture in collaboration with all people impacted.
For more information, visit the Health Quality Alberta’s Just Culture website.