Cultural approach to healthcare risk management - an Italian experience with look-alike, sound-alike drugs

Abstract

Risk management is fundamental in healthcare organisations at both the institutional (organisations) and sectorial (health) levels, not only as an operational technique but also as part of a managerial model. Thus, it is essential to highlight the strategic importance of the cultural impact, both clinically and financially, of correct risk integration between professional and organisational functioning. This research presents a case study of the Casa di Cura Tortorella S.p.a. (Salerno, Italy), which adopted a unique solution to handle logistical risks concerning medicines that have the potential to lead to dangerous confusions due to their similar names, dosages, packaging, and other elements (i.e., look-alike, sound-alike [LASA] drugs). Using the case study technique, the investigation highlights that the adoption of an operational mechanism for risk management, although useful, is limited if it is not supported by thorough training (for every operator) and a new organisational and cultural role, i.e., 'nursing team leaders', with responsibility for coordination and reporting, and has direct and indirect impacts on the financial performance of healthcare organisations.