Good Samaritan Hospital - San Jose, CA

Betsy S. Reed

Betsy S. Reed, Director of Patient Safety at Good Samaritan Hospital, is a seasoned expert in patient safety and clinical risk management with over 15 years of experience and is a doctoral candidate in Business Administration and Healthcare Management at Liberty University. Her extensive background in healthcare management and certifications in patient safety, risk management and healthcare quality have made her a sought-after leader. As a Latina single mother, her personal experiences, including a profound encounter with a hospital[1]acquired infection, fuel her dedication to improving patient care and safety.

Through this article, Betsy S. Reed shares her journey in patient safety, driven by her son's health crisis. She highlights the importance of empathy, continuous learning and transparency in healthcare. Reed discusses initiatives at Good Samaritan Hospital, technology's role, and the need for patient education. She advocates for a safety culture emphasizing collaboration and patient-centered care.

1. Could you share some pivotal experiences in your career that helped prepare you to lead the patient safety team at Good Samaritan Hospital?

Understanding patient safety is about putting the patient first in everything I do. My journey in healthcare began in a very personal way when my son was hospitalized after a major open-heart surgery. Tragically, he developed a staph surgical site infection and I almost lost him. What should have been a six-day hospital stay turned into a harrowing 90-day ordeal. This experience opened my eyes to the importance of patient safety and its profound impact on patient outcomes.

From fall prevention to preventing nosocomial infections, I witnessed firsthand the difference that safe, compassionate care can make for patients and their families. Over the years, I've been privileged to hold various roles that broadened my perspective on patient safety and risk management. Each step of the way, I've focused on listening to patients, learning from my colleagues and continuously improving our processes. These experiences have shaped my approach and reinforced my commitment to ensuring that every patient receives the highest standard of care.

My son's journey has been my greatest inspiration, reminding me daily of the preciousness of life and the vital importance of our work. This connection drives me to lead with empathy, dedication and a commitment to patient safety.

2. Considering the challenges in ensuring patient safety in the healthcare industry, what are the most pressing issues in this area and what specific initiatives have you implemented to address them?

 One of the most pressing issues in patient safety is the need for a culture prioritizing continuous learning and transparency. Good Samaritan Hospital has implemented comprehensive investigations into close calls, near-miss events and actual harm events. Every incident is viewed as an opportunity to learn and improve. We’ve also established multidisciplinary safety huddles and root cause analysis meetings to ensure that insights are shared across all levels of the organization. We continually evolve and enhance our safety protocols by fostering an environment where staff feel safe to report and discuss mistakes without fear of retribution.

"Every incident is viewed as an opportunity to learn and improve, fostering a culture of transparency and continuous improvement in patient safety"

3. How do you see technological advancements impacting patient safety protocols and what key considerations will guide your team in adopting new technologies while maintaining high standards of care?

 I am excited about integrating AI and other technological advancements in healthcare, as they promise to improve patient safety. However, the human touch and compassion can never be replaced. As we adopt new technologies, our primary considerations will be ensuring they complement and enhance our current practices without compromising By Betsy S. Reed, Director of Patient Safety, Good Samaritan Hospital - San Jose, CA Cultivating a Culture of Patient Safety CXO INSIGHTS the quality of care. We will focus on training our staff thoroughly, maintaining rigorous testing and validation processes and always keeping the patient at the center of our decisions. Technology should empower our team to deliver safer, more efficient care while never losing sight of the importance of empathy and human connection.

4. Building on the current focus on patient[1]centered care, how can we empower patients to participate more actively in their safety during treatment?

Educating patients and respecting their wishes is paramount. An educated patient can make better decisions; our responsibility is to ensure that our patients understand their health and treatment options. Good Samaritan Hospital has implemented bedside patient education, providing clear, accessible information about conditions, treatments and medications. We also encourage patients to ask questions, express their concerns and actively participate in their care plans. By fostering open communication and providing resources supporting informed decision-making, we empower our patients to take an active role in their safety and well[1]being.

5. What key takeaways or advice would you offer senior leaders and professionals, particularly those focused on areas that directly impact patient well-being?

Creating a culture of safety is essential for patient well-being. To achieve this, it’s crucial to foster an environment of transparency and a non-punitive approach to reporting near misses and errors. Senior leaders should lead by example, demonstrating a commitment to safety and encouraging open dialogue. Investing in continuous education and training for staff, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and prioritizing patient[1]centered care are also vital components. Remember, every voice matters in pursuing excellence in patient safety. By valuing and empowering our teams, we can create a healthcare environment where patients receive the safest, most compassionate care possible.