A Novel Theory-Based Virtual Reality Training to Improve Patient Safety Culture in the Department of Surgery of a Large Academic Medical Center: Protocol for a Mixed Methods Study.

Background: Preventable surgical errors of varying degrees of physical, emotional, and financial harm account for a significant number of adverse events. These errors are frequently tied to systemic problems within a health care system, including the absence of necessary policies/procedures, obstructive cultural hierarchy, and communication breakdown between staff. We developed an innovative, theory-based virtual reality (VR) training to promote understanding and sensemaking toward the holistic view of the culture of patient safety and high reliability.