Five notes:
1. The report, “Improvement in Safety Culture Linked to Better Patient and Staff Outcomes,” found that hospitals fostering a strong culture of safety reported better experiences for both their staff and patients.
The correlation between team member engagement survey scores and patient experience scores has grown each year, according to the report.
2. Hospitals’ performance on multiple quality and safety measures is at or above prepandemic levels. The report showed improvements in multiple safety outcomes throughout 25,652 units in 2,430 hospitals in 2024.
Rates of falls, catheter-associated urinary tract infections, central line-associated bloodstream infections and hospital-acquired pressure injuries have all declined since 2020, with some below 2019 levels.
3. Press Ganey data from 13 million patients surveyed after discharge showed an overall improvement in perceptions of safety and care experience year over year.
4. Surveys from 1.7 million healthcare workers indicated a post-pandemic rebound in perceptions of safety culture and reported workplace experiences.
5. The report is part of AHA’s broader patient safety initiative, which aims to strengthen safety culture across hospitals and health systems.
“This report highlights a fundamental truth — safe, high-quality, patient-centered care thrives in a strong culture of safety,” Patrick Ryan, chairman and CEO of Press Ganey, said in a March 12 news release. “When hospitals support both patients and caregivers, safety improves, workforce resilience grows, and patient experiences strengthen.”
