Journal of general internal medicine
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Psychological safety is the perception that an environment is safe for interpersonal risk taking, exposing vulnerability, and contributing perspectives without fear of being shamed, blamed, or ignored. The presence of psychological safety has been associated with improved team learning and innovation, leader inclusivity, and team members' sense of belonging. In medical education, psychological safety has additional benefits: it allows learners to be present in the moment and to focus on the tasks at hand, and reduces trainee focus on image. ⋯ However, many of the structures and cultural traditions in medical education are in clear opposition to these features. This paper describes the current barriers to psychological safety in medical education, and sets out an agenda for change. In accordance with benefits seen in other sectors, we anticipate that an emphasis on relationships and psychological safety will support the learning, inclusion, and success of medical trainees.