What should healthcare workers do if they observe unsafe practices?

Healthcare workers should prioritize patient safety and the well-being of their colleagues. Observing unsafe practices warrants immediate action to mitigate potential risks to patients, staff, and the overall healthcare environment. Reporting the behavior to a supervisor ensures that the issue is formally recognized and addressed in a timely manner. Supervisors are typically trained to handle these situations and can take appropriate action, such as providing additional training, implementing safety protocols, or investigating further.

While discussing unsafe practices with coworkers may seem supportive, it does not guarantee that the issue will be resolved effectively or that it will be given the urgency it requires. Ignoring the behavior can lead to serious consequences, endangering patients and contributing to a culture of safety complacency. Documenting unsafe practices can be beneficial for future reference; however, it should not substitute for immediate reporting, as delays can result in preventable harm. Thus, the most responsible action is to report unsafe behavior to a supervisor without delay.