Relevant Research

The following links provide access to various research studies that support AACN's Healthy Work Environments Initiative.

• The Joint Commission: Behaviors that undermine a culture of safety

  An alert issued in 2008 by The Joint Commission warns that hostile behavior among healthcare professionals poses a serious threat to patient safety and the overall quality of care. AACN, The Joint Commission and Joint Commission Resources have collaborated on the launch of healthy work environment standards and subsequent communications.

• A Survey of the Impact of Disruptive Behaviors and Communication Defects on Patient Safety (Abstract)

  A survey was conducted to assess the significance of disruptive behaviors and their effect on communication and collaboration and impact on patient care.

• Crucial Conversations: The Most Potent Force for Eliminating Disruptive Behavior (Abstract)

  Various studies and articles, including the Silence Kills study conducted by VitalSmarts and AACN.

• Critical Care Nurses' Work Environment: A Baseline Status Report (free article)
• AACN 2005 Research Study: Healthy Work Environments (PowerPoint)
• Silence Kills: The Seven Crucial Conversations for Healthcare - Complete Study
• Silence Kills: The Seven Crucial Conversations for Healthcare - Executive Summary
• The Joint Commission Root Cause Analysis