Just culture: a foundation for balanced accountability and patient safety.
BACKGROUND
The framework of a just culture ensures balanced accountability for both individuals and the organization responsible for designing and improving systems in the workplace. Engineering principles and human factors analysis influence the design of these systems so they are safe and reliable.


METHODS
Approaches for improving patient safety introduced here are (1) analysis of error, (2) specific tools to enhance safety, and (3) outcome engineering.


CONCLUSIONS
The just culture is a learning culture that is constantly improving and oriented toward patient safety.
Department of Anesthesiology, Ochsner Clinic Foundation, New Orleans, LA, Emeritus Professor, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC.
Philip G
PG
Boysen
Behavior; medical errors; patient safety