Abstract
(a) Objectives
The aim of this study was to determine the extent to which psychological safety and engagement of palliative care consultation teams are related to quality of care.
(b) Methods
The questionnaire was distributed in 6 hospitals with 7 palliative care teams (total of 1451 respondents). Psychological safety was measured using the Prof. Edmundson scale, and engagement by the UWES questionnaire. Quality of care was measured from the perspective of the primary care teams (i.e., clients of the palliative consultation teams) using the Advanced Care Team Consult Feedback Survey.
(c) Results
Results among the 1451 respondents show that higher perceptions of psychological safety are associated with higher staff engagement (0.44), that higher perceptions of psychological safety in palliative care teams are associated with better quality of care as measured by the Advanced Care Team Consult Feedback Survey (0.73), and that the higher the engagement of palliative care team members, the better the quality of care as measured by the Advanced Care Team Consult Feedback Survey (0.68).
(d) Conclusions
In order to cultivate a culture of psychological safety, leadership must create an environment in which members feel that the personal benefits outweigh the risks or consequences of speaking up with their ideas, concerns, or mistakes. In such an environment, there is a greater likelihood of retaining engaged staff and providing a higher quality of care.