Socializing for Safety: A Novel Approach to Team Building in IR

Purpose: Effective communication and trust are vital in interdisciplinary environments like interventional radiology (IR). To foster a culture of quality and safety, we introduced an Employee Work Satisfaction and Appreciation role (informally called the Self-Appointed Social Chair, or SASC initiative), charged with organizing monthly events within a modest budget. These events ranged from cookie decorating to barbecues and potlucks, promoting team bonding.

Methods/Materials: We employed a validated survey, distributed at three intervals (pre-, mid-way, and post-intervention) over a year, to assess perceived changes in the IR department's culture. A total of 50 participants were invited and included IR providers, IR Technologists, Radiology Nurses, and Anesthesia providers.

Results: At this time, the pre- and mid-way surveys have returned. From the two surveys, a dramatic perceived change has been noted from responses from all parties. There were a total of 47 responses for the first survey, results demonstrated a negative feeling about IR around communication (9/47 or 19% of respondents), respect (14/47 or 30% of respondents), and consideration of staff suggestions for improving patient safety (11/47 or 23% of respondents). There were 30 respondents for the mid-way survey, and 0 of 30 survey participants recorded negative feelings regarding communication or respect, and only one negative was recorded about consideration of staff suggestions for improving patient safety. These results indicate a significant shift in perception among all participant groups.

Conclusions: The SASC initiative, through its social events, has significantly contributed to fostering a collegial atmosphere and enhancing communication within the IR team. Limitations to this study include concurrent changes during the study period, such as leadership transitions, staff turnover and hiring, and modifications in morning rounds routine. Although the study is ongoing, early findings suggest that such low-cost initiatives can be a powerful tool in cultivating a culture of safety and teamwork in healthcare settings.