Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Practice Exam

What fosters open communication in a Culture of Safety?

1. Avoidance of safety discussions

2. Intimidation of staff who report issues

3. Feeling safe to speak up when necessary

4. Keeping safety protocols confidential

The correct answer is: Feeling safe to speak up when necessary

Fostering open communication in a Culture of Safety is primarily centered around creating an environment where individuals feel secure and confident in voicing concerns, observations, or suggestions regarding safety issues. When staff members feel safe to speak up, they are more likely to report errors, near misses, or unsafe conditions without fear of repercussions. This contributes to an open dialogue that enhances learning and improvement, ultimately leading to better safety practices within the organization. In contrast, avoidance of safety discussions, intimidation of staff, and keeping protocols confidential all work against creating a safe communication environment. Avoiding safety discussions leads to a lack of transparency and can prevent important issues from being addressed. Intimidation discourages reporting and creates a culture of fear, which undermines trust and can exacerbate safety risks. Additionally, keeping safety protocols confidential inhibits knowledge sharing and deprives staff of the information they need to operate safely, thus discouraging open communication.