Table 1 Examples of questions asked by executives during walk rounds.

Have there been any "near misses" that almost caused patient harm but didn't?

Have we harmed any patients recently?

What aspects of the environment are likely to lead to the next patient harm?

Is there anything we could do to prevent the next adverse event?

Can you think of any events in the past days that have resulted in prolonged hospitalization for a patient?

Can you think of a way in which the system or your environment fails you on a consistent basis?

What specific intervention from leadership would make the work you do safer for patients?

What would make this executive walk rounds more effective?