Message in a Minute: This Chief Nursing Officer’s creative solution to reinforcing safety messaging packs a quick – and memorable – punch.

Gaylord Specialty Healthcare, a nonprofit, rehabilitation-focused healthcare system headquartered in Connecticut has introduced an innovative approach to reinforcing safety messaging among staff.

With an inpatient population that often requires complex medical and rehabilitation care and an average length of stay of three to four weeks, Chief Nursing Officer Lisa Kalafus, MSN, RN, CENP, says that maintaining a consistent focus on safety protocols across the hospital and its five outpatient offices is critical.

Kalafus led the charge to develop short, engaging videos that aim to keep safety front and center for Gaylord’s 1,000-plus employee workforce.

"Message in a Minute" is a series of 60-second (sometimes longer for more complex issues) videos featuring Gaylord staff across all clinical and non-clinical disciplines who act out scenarios promoting patient safety.

Kalafus asserts that this approach not only engages the system’s entire workforce but also makes the information more digestible, relatable, and, most importantly, memorable.

“We know our staff is more engaged when presented with something interactive, especially if it involves their colleagues. Some of these videos pack a big punch in a very short time!”

Kalafus partners with Gaylord’s patient relations manager and videographer to write scripts and cast actors from all hospital disciplines.

“To see their chief medical officer dressed up as ‘Where’s Waldo’ is certainly memorable and goes a long way to drive home the necessity of something as critical as validating patient identity.”

Moving the needle on priority topics:

Kalafus explained that many of the series’ videos are devoted to reinforcing the high-reliability organization’s CHAMP tools (Communicate clearly, Handoff effectively, Pay attention to detail, Mentor each other 200%, and Practice and accept a questioning attitude). Other videos are created in response to a recognized need within the hospital or the community or highlight a particular safety issue or area for improvement.

Kalafus said that one such video, "Follow the Line," was created in response to a statewide initiative to reduce oxygen-related incidents. Though the message is serious, humorous moments are sprinkled in. Following the video's release, Gaylord Hospital reported more than 100 consecutive days without an oxygen event, demonstrating the campaign’s impact on staff vigilance.

While most of the videos incorporate laugh-out-loud humor into their storylines, topics such as workplace violence that require a more serious tone are treated with the necessary sensitivity.

A sustainable, memorable, and fun model for education.

New “Message in a Minute” videos are produced four times a year and are debuted at the organization’s quarterly all-staff meetings. Although “Message in a Minute” videos are frequently re-used in orientations and clinical training, Kalafus felt it was important that the messages continue to remain top-of-mind among staff.

Her solution?

An annual red-carpet “CHAMP Awards” celebration, modeled after the Academy Awards, to kick off Hospital Week celebrations. Staff are encouraged to review the prior year’s videos and cast their vote for Best Actor and Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor and Actress, Best Safety Comedy, and Best Safety Drama. The well-attended event includes a red carpet entrance, a photo booth, popcorn and candy, a DJ, and presenters bedecked in gowns, sequins, furs, and tuxedos who host the event with tongue-in-cheek Oscar-like banter as they present statuettes to the winners.

Incorporating humor and creativity into critical safety messaging has proven to be a powerful strategy at Gaylord Specialty Healthcare. The “Message in a Minute Series” has not only engaged staff in a memorable and impactful way but also reinforced essential safety protocols that drive patient care excellence.

By celebrating these efforts with the annual “CHAMP Awards” and continuously updating video content, Gaylord ensures that safety remains a top priority while fostering a culture of engagement and recognition. The entire video library is accessible on YouTube, ensuring that the content remains available for ongoing training and review.

Click here for Gaylord’s Message in a Minute playlist on YouTube.