In a "Just Culture," what type of error risks increase due to recognized incentives or pressures?

In a "Just Culture," the concept of "at-risk" behaviors is closely tied to the pressures and incentives that may exist within a healthcare environment. These behaviors are actions that may not align with established protocols or best practices, often taken because of perceived pressures to meet certain goals or targets. For example, staff may feel the need to expedite care or manage workloads more efficiently, which could prompt them to bypass specific safety protocols.

Recognizing these pressures helps organizations understand the conditions that can lead to increased risk. When an environment does not support open communication about these pressures, it can lead to situations where staff may engage in "at-risk" behaviors believing they are helping or being more efficient, even though those behaviors could compromise patient safety.

In contrast, reckless errors are typically characterized by conscious disregard for known risks, simple human errors often arise from unintentional mistakes rather than external pressures, and operational errors involve broader systemic issues rather than individual choices. By focusing on cultivating a culture that acknowledges at-risk behavior while providing adequate support and addressing systemic issues, organizations can strive to improve patient safety and care quality.