U.S. Hospitals See Gains in Patient Safety and Workforce Resilience Post-Pandemic

A new report from the American Hospital Association (AHA) and Press Ganey reveals significant improvements in patient care experiences, safety perceptions, and key health outcomes, alongside a post-pandemic rebound in workforce resilience. Titled “Improvement in Safety Culture Linked to Better Patient and Staff Outcomes”, the report underscores how fostering a strong culture of safety within hospitals is directly tied to better outcomes for both patients and healthcare workers. These findings highlight a promising trajectory for U.S. healthcare, even as systems contend with rising patient acuity and lingering workforce challenges.

Key Findings: Positive Trends in Patient and Workforce Outcomes

The report draws from extensive data, including surveys of 13 million hospital patients and 1.7 million healthcare workers, illustrating broad-based improvements in the healthcare experience:

• Improved Patient Experience: Patients report feeling safer and more satisfied with their care, citing better communication and overall confidence in the healthcare environment.
• Workforce Resilience: Following years of pandemic-induced strain, healthcare workers have reported improved perceptions of safety culture, enhanced resilience, and greater satisfaction with their roles.
• Reductions in Safety Events: Key outcomes such as falls and infections have seen noticeable declines across 25,000 units in 2,430 hospitals nationwide.

The report builds on previous AHA findings from September 2024, which documented a decline in adverse patient safety events and an increase in healthcare screenings. The latest data emphasizes the continued progress hospitals and health systems are making, even as they care for patients with higher medical complexity.

Leadership Perspective: A Dual Focus on Patients and Staff

AHA President & CEO Rick Pollack emphasized that healthcare is fundamentally about people caring for people, with safety and quality at the core. “Every day in hospitals across America, dedicated care teams strive to deliver safe, high-quality care to every patient,” Pollack said. “This commitment involves continually identifying what drives better outcomes and then implementing changes to improve patient care.”

Pollack also highlighted hospitals’ ongoing efforts to invest in their workforce, recognizing that empowered and supported clinicians are essential for sustaining a culture of safety.

Patrick T. Ryan, Chairman and CEO of Press Ganey, echoed these sentiments, stating, “This report highlights a fundamental truth—safe, high-quality, patient-centered care thrives in a strong culture of safety. When hospitals support both patients and caregivers, safety improves, workforce resilience grows, and patient experiences strengthen.”

From Data to Impact: Declines in Safety Events

The report attributes improvements in key safety outcomes, such as fewer falls and infections, to the strengthening of safety culture within hospitals. By instilling practices that prioritize high reliability, hospitals have not only mitigated risks but also empowered staff to respond proactively to potential issues.

Broader Implications for U.S. Healthcare

The findings underscore the importance of cultivating a robust safety culture in addressing long-standing challenges in U.S. healthcare. The pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in the system, from workforce burnout to patient safety lapses, but it also accelerated innovation and adaptation. For example, hospitals increasingly focus on integrated care models and technology-enabled solutions, both of which are critical for addressing the growing needs of higher-acuity patients.

A Promising but Fragile Recovery

While the trends highlighted in the report are encouraging, the U.S. healthcare system still faces critical hurdles. Workforce resilience may be rebounding, but burnout and staffing shortages remain ongoing concerns. Likewise, improvements in safety culture require sustained investment and leadership commitment, particularly as hospitals continue to navigate financial pressures and rising patient demands.

The pandemic served as a crucible for change in healthcare, forcing systems to adapt rapidly in ways that might have otherwise taken years. The challenge now lies in maintaining this momentum. Hospitals must double down on efforts to support their workforce, not only through financial incentives but also by fostering an environment where clinicians feel valued and empowered.

The findings offer a roadmap for what is possible when safety is prioritized, but they also serve as a reminder that progress is fragile. Without continued attention to both patient and staff well-being, gains in safety culture could stagnate or reverse.

Sustaining the Gains

To build on these successes, healthcare leaders must remain focused on three key areas:

1. Investing in Workforce Well-Being: Providing ongoing support, training, and resources to reduce burnout and improve job satisfaction.
2. Strengthening Safety Culture: Embedding high-reliability practices across all levels of care to ensure consistent outcomes.
3. Leveraging Data: Using patient and workforce feedback to drive targeted improvements and measure progress over time.

By committing to these priorities, hospitals can continue to enhance both the patient experience and staff resilience, building a system that is not only safer but also more sustainable.