In the high-stakes environment of healthcare, the ability for team members to speak up without fear of retribution is not just beneficial—it’s essential. Psychological safety, defined as a shared belief that the team is safe for interpersonal risk-taking, is a critical component of effective healthcare delivery. Yet, numerous reports and studies indicate that a lack of psychological safety persists in many healthcare settings, leading to adverse outcomes for both patients and providers.
In the United States, a 2019 report by the Joint Commission detailed a sentinel event where a nurse failed to report concerns about a surgical error due to fear of retaliation—contributing directly to a patient’s death. In the UK, an investigation into NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde revealed deliberate cover-ups of patient harm and a toxic work environment where staff felt unable to voice concerns. Similarly, a national survey in Australia found that a “culture of fear” within public hospital systems prompted many doctors to consider leaving the sector, with a significant number fearing retaliation for raising patient safety issues.
These examples underscore the urgent need to empower and embed psychological safety in healthcare environments to protect both patients and healthcare professionals. Below, we share best practices, the role or leadership, and the importance of listening to physicians to achieve a psychologically safe workplace — for better patient care, happier healthcare workers, and an improved financial bottom line.
Recognizing the critical role of psychological safety, several healthcare institutions have implemented strategies to promote open communication and support among staff.
These initiatives demonstrate that systemic changes can lead to improved psychological safety, benefiting both healthcare providers and patients.
Changing or removing questions about mental health from licensing applications encourages physicians to seek help without fear of professional repercussions.
Leadership plays a pivotal role in cultivating psychological safety within healthcare organizations.
By actively promoting these practices, leaders can create an environment where healthcare professionals feel safe to express concerns and seek support.
Physicians have expressed clear needs regarding mental health support:
Addressing these concerns can lead to a more supportive environment that prioritizes the well-being of healthcare providers.
Changing or removing questions about mental health from licensing applications encourages physicians to seek help without fear of professional repercussions.
Third-party platforms offer unique advantages in supporting physician mental health:
By integrating such platforms into their support systems, healthcare organizations can enhance the psychological safety of their staff.
Services like Physicians Anonymous provide free, anonymous peer-support group meetings, allowing physicians to share experiences without fear of identification.
Organizations that partner with Physicians Anonymous gain access to a discreet, high-impact support solution that fills a critical gap between employee assistance programs and clinical care. Because our groups are independent and fully anonymous, they overcome the key barriers—fear, shame, and professional risk—that often prevent physicians from seeking help. The benefits to employers are tangible:
Engagement by physicians trusting us as a 3rd party organization with anonymity and confidentiality in our DNA
Improved morale and team dynamics, contributing to a safer, more engaged workplace
No administrative burden, as Physicians Anonymous handles all group facilitation, privacy, and logistics
Potential reduced absenteeism and burnout, leading to fewer sick days and more consistent clinical coverage
Potential lower staff turnover, saving hundreds of thousands per physician retained
Potential decreased risk of medical errors, by supporting cognitive clarity and emotional resilience
By investing in an external, trusted peer-support model, organizations demonstrate genuine commitment to staff wellbeing—while reaping measurable returns in performance, retention, and patient care
By investing in an external, trusted peer-support model, organizations demonstrate genuine commitment to staff wellbeing—while reaping measurable returns in performance, retention, and patient care.
Creating a culture of psychological safety in medicine requires a multifaceted approach involving systemic changes, leadership engagement, and accessible support systems. By implementing best practices, normalizing mental health discussions, listening to physician needs, and integrating third-party support platforms, healthcare institutions can foster environments where both providers and patients thrive.
If you’re a healthcare leader ready to take action on physician mental health, we invite you to start a confidential conversation. Our anonymous peer-support platform bridges the gap between intention and impact—giving your doctors a safe space to speak, be heard, and heal.
Book a demo or contact us today.
Because caring for your clinicians is the first step in caring for your patients.
