Latent threats are hidden vulnerabilities embedded in healthcare systems that, though not immediately harmful, can combine with other factors to trigger serious adverse events. Unlike active failures, these threats often stem from flawed processes, hierarchical structures, or entrenched cultural norms that discourage transparency and learning. This chapter explores how healthcare organizations can systematically detect and mitigate these invisible risks. It advocates for the creation of a “just culture” that encourages staff to report near-misses without fear of punishment, and examines structured approaches such as failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) and root-cause analysis (RCA) for identifying and addressing systemic weaknesses. The Swiss Cheese Model and the concept of collective mindfulness highlight the need for vigilance, continuous feedback loops, and proactive risk management across all levels of an organization. The chapter also emphasizes the growing role of simulation—not just as a training tool but as a diagnostic instrument for exposing latent threats in real-time clinical environments. Through in situ simulations, interdisciplinary debriefings, and data-driven quality improvement efforts, organizations can identify overlooked hazards, redesign unsafe processes, and strengthen resilience. Ultimately, the proactive management of latent threats is key to improving patient safety, institutional trust, and organizational learning in complex healthcare settings.

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Exposing the Invisible: Managing Latent Threats in Healthcare Organizations

  • Andrea Saporito,
  • Baroum Mrad Georgis

摘要

Latent threats are hidden vulnerabilities embedded in healthcare systems that, though not immediately harmful, can combine with other factors to trigger serious adverse events. Unlike active failures, these threats often stem from flawed processes, hierarchical structures, or entrenched cultural norms that discourage transparency and learning. This chapter explores how healthcare organizations can systematically detect and mitigate these invisible risks. It advocates for the creation of a “just culture” that encourages staff to report near-misses without fear of punishment, and examines structured approaches such as failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) and root-cause analysis (RCA) for identifying and addressing systemic weaknesses. The Swiss Cheese Model and the concept of collective mindfulness highlight the need for vigilance, continuous feedback loops, and proactive risk management across all levels of an organization. The chapter also emphasizes the growing role of simulation—not just as a training tool but as a diagnostic instrument for exposing latent threats in real-time clinical environments. Through in situ simulations, interdisciplinary debriefings, and data-driven quality improvement efforts, organizations can identify overlooked hazards, redesign unsafe processes, and strengthen resilience. Ultimately, the proactive management of latent threats is key to improving patient safety, institutional trust, and organizational learning in complex healthcare settings.