Psychological Safety

 

 

 

 

Psychological Safety 

 

 

Psychological Safety

  1. It is the responsibility of all ASTEC staff to ensure that all learners can learn in an environment free of harassment and discrimination based on gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, race, social class, creed, disability, or other defining characteristic.
  2. ASTEC’s definition of psychological safety is consistent with the Healthcare Simulation Dictionary 2.1 (AHRQ, 2020), which states that it is:
    1. A feeling (explicit or implicit) within a simulation-based activity that participants are comfortable participating, speaking up, sharing thoughts, and asking for help as needed without concern for retribution or embarrassment.
    2. The perception of members of the team that the team is safe for risk taking, and mistakes will be considered learning opportunities rather than there being embarrassment or punitive consequences (Edmondson, 1999; Higgins et al, 2012).
    3. Any form of stress as a result of personal experiences associated with the specific simulated healthcare environment. 
  3. All learners are orientated to what it means to perform in a psychologically safe learning environment (or “safe space”) by the ASTEC POC and/or primary instructor in one or all the following ways:
    1. Pre-requisite materials (see Simulation Activity Confirmation email) or pre-briefing provided prior to arriving in ASTEC.
    2. Posted materials (including QR codes) in the ASTEC lobby and within the training environment (See ASTEC User Agreement Section XXX).
    3. Pre-briefing/orientation (See ASTEC learner orientation guideline) that occurs while in ASTEC prior to a scheduled simulation activity.
  4. It is made clear to all learners during pre-briefing/orientation that if they experience any form of psychological stress, they may be excused from the activity. They are encouraged to adjourn to the lobby for further assistance.
    1. ASTEC staff will notify the Program Coordinator, Administrative Associate or any other available ASTEC personnel to conduct an initial wellness check.
    2. ASTEC staff and/or the primary instructor will check in with the learner to assess the need for further assistance and/or their willingness to rejoin the simulation activity in any capacity.
  5. ASTEC is a safe learning environment. Discussion of learner performance within the lab will take place during the debriefing process. Any additional discussion beyond debriefing should be professional and constructive.
  6. Any learner requiring psychological support as a result of simulation training may be referred to any of the following local resources:    
    1. University of Arizona Student – referral to CAPS (Counseling and Psych Services) at the University of Arizona, Campus Health, (520) 621-3334, http://www.health.arizona.edu/counseling-psych-services.
    2. Medical Intern/Resident – referral to House staff Counselor https://medicine.arizona.edu/internal-resources/form/house-staff-counselor-policy.
    3. Employee of Banner University Medical Center – referral to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through their website: https://www.banneraetna.com/en/members/mental-emotional-health.html.
    4. Outside agencies, guests and/or participants – will be referred to their respective employers EAP.