Host Jennifer Gligoric spotlights Dr. Julie Siemers, patient safety consultant, industry nurse leader, TEDx speaker, and founder of LifeBeat Solutions. Dr. Siemers draws on decades of ER, trauma, and flight nursing experience to expose why patient safety remains a critical concern in modern healthcare. She shares eye-opening stories from the front lines, the systemic roots of medical harm, and her mission to empower both clinicians and patients with practical education and tools. This episode is packed with actionable strategies for clinic owners to improve communication, foster a culture of safety, and drive systems-level change.
Key Topics & Takeaways
The Persistent Challenge of Patient Safety
- Despite 70+ years of research, patient harm is still common in hospitals—often due to system breakdowns, not “bad people.”
- Communication failures account for up to 70% of patient harm events.
- Transparency and open dialogue are essential for root cause analysis and learning from mistakes.
Empowering Patients and Families
- Patients and families must become active, informed participants—not passive bystanders—in care decisions.
- Education and courage are required to speak up, ask questions, and advocate for loved ones.
- Dr. Siemers is developing an app with scripts, guides, and checklists to help patients and families engage confidently with healthcare teams.
- Hospital Safety Grade Matters: Dr. Siemers advises all patients and families to check hospitalsafetygrade.org before choosing a hospital. “Look up your hospital and see if it’s A, B, C, D, or F for safety and quality. There are 32 metrics you can review.” She shares a story of a pregnant woman who switched from a C-rated hospital to an A-rated one just 30 minutes away. Research shows that going to a D or F-rated hospital increases your risk of bad outcomes by 91%.
Clinician Education & Systems Thinking
- LifeBeat Solutions offers courses for nurses that fill critical knowledge gaps on patient safety, vital signs, and clinical judgment.
- Even experienced clinicians must continually refresh their knowledge and embrace a mindset of vigilance and curiosity.
- Critical thinking and anticipating complications—especially in high-risk scenarios—can save lives.
Technology & Communication
- AI and digital tools can support both clinicians and patients by flagging red flags, compiling symptom journals, and improving recall of discharge instructions.
- Language barriers and rushed communication are persistent challenges; technology can help bridge these gaps, but human expertise remains irreplaceable.
Entrepreneurship and Vision for the Future
- Dr. Siemers is expanding her impact through education, digital tools, and partnerships with rural and EMS providers.
- Her vision includes scaling patient safety education and technology to clinics, hospitals, and families nationwide.
Actionable Insights for Clinic Owners
- Foster a culture of safety and open communication—encourage both staff and patients to speak up.
- Invest in ongoing education for your team, especially in the basics of patient safety and clinical judgment.
- Leverage technology to streamline communication, symptom tracking, and patient education.
- Empower patients and families with clear instructions, checklists, and permission to be active partners in care.
- Regularly review and update your systems and protocols—what worked before may not work now.
- Check Hospital Safety Grades: Encourage patients to review their hospital’s safety grade before elective procedures or hospitalizations.
Memorable Quotes
“Most harm isn’t caused by bad people—it’s caused by broken systems. But that doesn’t mean you’re powerless.” — Dr. Julie Siemers
“Patients and families need the tools to empower themselves by being educated and informed.” — Dr. Julie Siemers
“Transparency and conversations are our biggest obstacles, but also our biggest opportunities.” — Dr. Julie Siemers
How to Support the Show
Like, follow, share, and leave a 5-star review—your support helps us bring on more world-class guests and deliver actionable strategies for clinic growth. Want a worksheet or resources from this episode? Visit superclinic.com and click on the free school or host’s picture.
About Our Guest
Dr. Julie Siemers is a patient safety consultant, nurse leader, educator, TEDx speaker, and founder of LifeBeat Solutions. With over 30 years in trauma, ER, and flight nursing, she is dedicated to transforming healthcare through education, systems improvement, and empowering patients and families. Her best-selling book, Surviving Your Hospital Stay, and upcoming app are changing the conversation around patient safety.
