La Pine: Is It Safer to Travel or Be a Patient?

Recent travel has made me consider the comparison/contrast between the role of MSPs and Transportation Security Agents (TSA).  This idea began with the comment I’ve heard lately that the public feels safer traveling by air than it does being a patient in a hospital.  Why is that? 

The answer may include public awareness and acceptance of the following:  (1) the scrutiny the FAA required of all pilots, (2) the training and performance evaluation of flight attendants, (3) the requirements for maintenance of all aviation equipment. and (4) the screening of all passengers before boarding (troublesome as it may be).  It is this last area that I will use for my comparison/contrast. 

MSPs usually have limited authority while TSA have a high level.  This is evident by the extensive screening process implemented at airports.  Any one may be asked to step aside for a more thorough search which may include a search of carry-on luggage, handbags, computer cases, etc. 

Current MSP job qualifications often do not require certification nor advanced education degrees; TSAs go through extensive training.  I can’t imagine a TSA position filled with an individual without sufficient training and yet we know that this happens all too frequently in health care organizations. 

As long as we continue to read about serious patient errors occurring in hospitals, no amount of education will change the public’s perception.  No amount of activity to promote awareness of our responsibilities for extensive processing of practitioners before they are allowed to provide clinical services at health care facilities will alter public opinion. 

So how can we change the public’s perception of safety within health care facilities?  Who should lead this agenda?  We can’t wait for administration.  We can’t wait for marketing departments.  We must work with our professional organization to exert a positive influence.  In the end, the charge falls to our health care institutions and to you and me as advocates for patient safety - all the time; every time. 

Carole La Pine, MSA, CPMSM, CPCS