Health Check

I recently revisited the eye-opening documentary “Health check” from BBC Radio 4, featuring Claudia Hammond, which delves into aviation safety and its relevance for healthcare. Despite its age, the insights it offers remain remarkably pertinent, especially in high-stakes environments. The program explores lessons learned from past aviation disasters and asks what aviation experience can teach healthcare. As someone who navigates both aviation and healthcare, I find that the skills developed in either field are often interchangeable. Both professions involve intricate technology and rely heavily on effective teamwork. Consider the parallels: a junior pilot hesitant to question their superior's decision mirrors a junior doctor who doubts a surgical plan but remains silent. Both scenarios reflect the necessity for robust non-technical training to cultivate a culture where individuals feel empowered to speak up. Fast forward a decade since “Health check” aired, there is a morsel of hope where both industries are beginning to exchange valuable skills. However, a stark difference in safety culture persists. Aviation's enduring focus on "just safety" encourages reporting mistakes to foster learning, reducing fear of repercussions unless negligence is involved. Contrast this with healthcare, where the shift from a blame culture to a learning one still presents challenges, despite the shared pressures both sectors experience. Both fields face the same challenge: how to maintain safety amid complexity and technology. With professionals from aviation and healthcare sharing insights, we can create a more collaborative and proficient environment for all. Ultimately, it's about learning from one another, fostering resilience, and cultivating the compassion both industries have to offer. There’s a longer discussion of my thoughts over on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/oaktree-psychology-referrals_what-aviation-and-healthcare-can-learn-from-activity-7344268390112391168-9JLm?utm_source=social_share_send&utm_medium=member_desktop_web&rcm=ACoAAATWG6cB5t8T9G86xh1IbiB9scbRY0GTw5o