Abstract:
High reliability organizations rely on strong communication, collaboration and teamwork to optimize safety and minimize errors. Unfortunately, hospitals have lagged behind other industries with their progress on building strong relationships and teams. In hospitals this is commonly illustrated in the relationship between laboratory and clinical staff which is often strained. Much of the issue can be traced to significant cultural and environmental differences, along with a lack of regular interaction and communication. Understanding these differences is an important first step to strengthening the relationship between these groups. Additional proven strategies include regular educational events, shadowing opportunities, increasing cross functional team interaction between lab and clinical staff and establishing a Transfusion Safety Officer. Strengthening the relationship between the laboratory and clinical staff will result in the ultimate goal of reducing errors and improving patient safety.

Objectives:
At the conclusion of this lecture, the participant will be able to:
1. Examine significant cultural and environmental differences between clinical staff and laboratory staff
2. Describe educational strategies between lab and clinical staff that can improve relations
3. Review communication and teamwork strategies between lab and clinical staff that can improve relations

Goal:
The goal of this presentation is to provide a clear understanding of the important differences between laboratory and clinical professionals, along with proven strategies that can be implemented to optimize communication, collaboration and teamwork between the groups.

Teaching Strategy:
The teaching strategy will be didactic in the form of a PowerPoint presentation, followed by a question and answer period.