After the release of To Err is Human,1 many healthcare
institutions and organizations began the process of moving safety
improvement efforts forward. One principle in this report was
the ‘promotion of effective team functioning.’ The American
College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) responded
with a set of safety-related objectives for clinical providers to
follow in daily practice.2 One objective stressed commitment
to a patient safety culture through the daily practice of
teamwork, communication, collaboration and strong leadership for
providers.