What should you do if you witness a colleague taking shortcuts that may compromise patient safety?

Reporting the behavior to a supervisor is crucial when witnessing a colleague taking shortcuts that could potentially compromise patient safety. This action aligns with the professional and ethical responsibilities of healthcare providers. Ensuring patient safety is the top priority in any healthcare setting, and supervisors or managers are typically trained to handle such issues appropriately. By reporting the behavior, you initiate a formal process that can lead to corrective measures, further training, or intervention.

Tackling the issue through this channel helps maintain a culture of safety and accountability within the healthcare environment. It ensures that the situation is addressed in a structured manner, potentially preventing future incidents that could put patients at risk. Involving a supervisor also provides protection for the person reporting the behavior against any potential backlash from the colleague being reported.