Just culture in healthcare: An integrative review

Background: In spite of two decades of the patient safety movement in the United States, healthcare safety remains a significant problem. The paucity of empirical literature related to Just Culture in healthcare indicates a need for this concept to be examined and operationalized. Purpose: The purpose was to appraise the literature regarding the use and application of Just Culture in healthcare. Methods: Using Whittemore and Knafl's framework for integrative reviews, a review of the literature was conducted using Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, PubMed, PsychInfo, and Cochrane Review to identify peer-reviewed literature published between 2010 and 2020. The following search terms were used: Just Culture AND healthcare system OR health care OR healthcare. Results: After screening for inclusion and exclusion criteria, a set of 10 articles were included in the review. Four main themes were identified: Error Management, Balance, Leadership and Staff, and Systems Leadership for Change. Conclusion: There is a paucity of empirical research and quality improvement projects focusing on Just Culture. The themes identified in this integrative review provide the direction and focus for additional research and quality improvement efforts that will promote the adoption of Just Culture and improvement in patient safety.

Automated summary

Despite two decades of the patient safety movement in the United States, healthcare safety remains a significant problem. The lack of empirical literature related to Just Culture in healthcare indicates a need for further examination and application of this concept. The review identified four main themes: Error Management, Balance, Leadership and Staff, and Systems Leadership for Change, providing direction for future research and quality improvement efforts in promoting the adoption of Just Culture and enhancing patient safety.