Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a powerful, but high-risk, treatment delivered in a pressurized, oxygen-rich environment. In this episode, the team explores how safety depends on disciplined systems, vigilance, psychological safety, and strong communication. The conversation highlights high-reliability practices that can be applied across healthcare settings to improve patient and staff safety.
In this episode of Key in to Quality, the team explores how hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) delivers care in a highly specialized environment where oxygen is the treatment, and how safety is highlighted in this environment. Because HBOT combines elevated oxygen levels and pressure, risks such as fire hazards and equipment failures require rigorous safety systems, disciplined processes and constant vigilance.
The discussion highlights how safety extends beyond policies and compliance. Daily huddles, pretreatment safety timeouts, ongoing training and clear team communication help create consistency and situational awareness. The episode also examines the concept of “drift” — the gradual departure from standard practices that can occur over time, even among experienced teams — and the importance of accreditation, leadership oversight and learning from near misses to prevent it.
A central theme is psychological safety. Team members must feel empowered to speak up, ask questions and identify risks without fear of blame. Through real-world examples and practical insights, the episode demonstrates that safe care is built through people, processes and culture working together every day. The lessons from hyperbaric medicine offer valuable guidance for improving quality and patient safety across healthcare.
Guest Name(s): Andrew Melnyczenko, Director of Hyperbaric Tech and Safety, Mayo Clinic, LinkedIn
Hosted by Timothy Morgenthaler, M.D., and Sheri Nemec.
Host: Timothy Morgenthaler, M.D. | https://www.linkedin.com/in/timorgenthaler/
Host: Sheri Nemec| https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheryl-sheri-nemec-a627982a/