A Navy Veteran’s Mission to Reduce Medical Errors
Former U.S. Navy nuclear submarine commander Robert “navy Bob” Roncska is sounding the alarm on a critical issue: preventable medical errors. In his new book,”High Reliability Healthcare: Sharing the Secrets of the Nuclear Navy to Save Lives,” co-written with former president Barack Obama’s White House physician Jeffrey Kuhlman,Roncska draws parallels between the high-stakes world of nuclear submarines and the need for a culture of safety in healthcare.
“We’re talking about two 747s going down every day of people of all ages that shouldn’t die,” Roncska stated,highlighting the staggering number of lives lost due to preventable complications. He emphasizes the urgency of the situation, noting that “Our life expectancy is lower than that of Croatia. We’re spending $12,000 per person per year on health care. They’re spending $800,” further illustrating the disparity in outcomes despite higher healthcare spending.
Roncska believes that incorporating the Navy’s emphasis on prevention and a proactive approach can transform healthcare. He argues, “We’re so reactive in the health care world as opposed to the nuclear Navy. Being preventative saves money in the long run.” The book’s core message rests on five pillars: a higher level of understanding,integrity,formality,a questioning attitude,and backup.
Drawing a stark comparison, the book synopsis states, “The culture prevalent in health care today of follow orders, do what (you are) told, don’t ask questions, never challenge superiors, (and being) not forthcoming (but) situational, is eerily like the U.S. Navy before nuclear reactors were placed on submarines.” Roncska believes that by implementing these key principles,a safer and more reliable healthcare system can be achieved.
“We’ve never tapped into the secrets of the nuclear Navy to save patients’ lives,” roncska asserts, highlighting the untapped potential of these strategies. He hopes his book will serve as a catalyst for change, prompting a “community uproar” to demand a reduction in medical errors. “The government doesn’t want to mention this. They make too much money from special interest groups,” he believes.
Roncska,known for his previous book “Beyond the Sea,” is exploring opportunities to discuss “High Reliability Healthcare” and the urgent need for reform. A potential speaking engagement at Shorewood Country Club is in the works.
Roncska encourages readers to consider the insightful documentary ”To Err is Human,” which emphasizes the reality of preventable medical deaths, stating that 440,000 people per year lose their lives in the U.S. due to these avoidable complications.
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This news item was published on June 30, 2015.
## A Navy Veteran’s Blueprint for Safer Healthcare
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**Host**: Welcome back to Archyde Conversations.Today, we delve into a critical issue impacting millions: medical errors. Joining us is retired U.S. Navy Nuclear Submarine commander Robert “Navy Bob” Roncska, author of the new book, “High Reliability Healthcare: Sharing the Secrets of the Nuclear Navy to Save Lives”.Welcome,Commander Roncska.
**Roncska**: Thanks for having me.
**Host**: Your book draws striking parallels between the high-stakes surroundings of a nuclear submarine and the need for a rigorous safety culture in healthcare. Can you elaborate on this connection?
**Roncska**: Absolutely. In the Navy,mistakes onboard a nuclear submarine can have catastrophic consequences – literally life or death. We developed a culture of safety, where every individual is empowered to speak up, question assumptions, and prioritize safety above all else. This “Swiss Cheese” model, where multiple layers of defense prevent errors from reaching the patient, translates directly to healthcare.
**Host**: In your book, you cite alarming statistics about preventable medical errors.
**Roncska**: That’s right. We’re talking about the equivalent of two 747s crashing every single day due to preventable medical errors [[1]]. Its a staggering number that highlights the urgency for change.
**Host**: What are some specific strategies from the Navy that you believe can be successfully implemented in hospitals and clinics?
**Roncska**: Several key principles stand out. Firstly, fostering a culture where everyone, from nurses to doctors to administrative staff, feels comfortable speaking up about potential safety concerns without fear of reprisal. secondly,embracing a strict adherence to standardized procedures and checklists,which minimize the risk of human error.implementing robust training programs focused on teamwork, dialog, and error prevention.
**Host**: You co-authored “High Reliability Healthcare” with Dr. Jeffrey Kuhlman,former White House physician under President Obama. How did your collaboration come about, and what unique perspectives did Dr. Kuhlman bring to the project?
**Roncska**: Dr. Kuhlman is a passionate advocate for patient safety and recognized the potential of the Navy’s high reliability model in healthcare. His medical expertise and firsthand experience in the White house provided invaluable insight into the challenges and complexities of the healthcare system.
**Host**: what is your message to healthcare professionals and policymakers who are committed to improving patient safety?
**Roncska**: This isn’t just about avoiding mistakes. It’s about creating a culture where safety is paramount,where every patient receives the highest quality care,and where preventable tragedies are minimized.We have the tools and knowledge to make a meaningful difference, and it’s time to implement them.
**Host**: thank you, Commander Roncska, for sharing your insights and your commitment to this crucial cause.
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