What is the role of individual accountability in patient safety? A multi-site ethnographic study.

Aveling EL, Parker M, Dixon-Woods M. Sociol Health Illn. 2015 Nov 4; [Epub ahead of print].

The concept of a just culture has become popular for balancing individual accountability with asystems approach to patient safety. This study used insights from practice theory, political science, ethics, and empiric data from five ethnographic case studies to illustrate the fundamental interdependence of systems and individuals at all levels. The authors suggest that rather than attempt to balance these two forces, organizations should appreciate their intertwined effects.