Advancing Psychological Safety in Healthcare

Grounded in Research

Decades of evidence show that teams with high psychological safety consistently perform better than those with low levels—driving measurable improvements in patient safety culture, clinician engagement, and team effectiveness.

• Edmondson’s landmark study: Teams with higher psychological safety engage in more learning behaviors, which are positively related to better team performance.

• Nursing team research: Studies of hospital nursing teams demonstrate that psychological safety supports open communication, reduces burnout, and contributes to improved patient safety and nurse retention.

• Operating room findings: The American College of Surgeons and related studies highlight that psychological safety enhances teamwork, communication, and surgical outcomes in high-stakes clinical environments.

• Burnout protection: Teams with high psychological safety are better able to share concerns, seek help, and adapt under pressure—buffering against burnout and stress, especially in resource-limited or crisis settings.

• Leadership impact: Within management and leadership teams, psychological safety promotes open dialogue, trust, and collaborative decision-making—resulting in stronger overall team performance.

• Innovation: Psychological safety fuels team learning behaviors that support creativity, process innovation, and improved organizational performance.

Why This Matters

By making psychological safety a priority, leaders create conditions where: 

• Staff feel heard and valued

• Challenges are addressed early

• Innovation moves faster

• Patients receive safer, higher-quality care