A study published in The Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety examined the competency of board members, CEOs and safety quality leaders when it comes to a practice's quality and safety, according to blog post by the journal's Executive Editor Steven Berman.
Patricia A. McGaffigan, RN, of the National Patient Safety Foundation, and colleagues asked 605 respondents a 36-question survey on quality and safety.
Approximately 105 board members, 53 CEOs and 447 SQLs made up the respondent base.
Here's what you should know.
1. A large percentage of respondents said safety was their organizations' top priority.
2. CEOs rated their own knowledge and understanding as the highest.
3. Board members gave their own understanding a low rating.
4. SQLs were less likely to highly rate a board members' knowledge and understanding.
The researchers said the survey, "reveals specific areas of focus for improving governance and leadership practices at board meetings, as well as several areas where knowledge and understanding of safety and quality were variable." Researchers need more research to identify best board educational practices.