Psychological safety in focus as Arcada’s Christoffer Ericsson is honored by Duodecim

The Finnish Medical Society Duodecim has named this year’s one hundred most influential individuals in the healthcare sector. Among them is Christoffer Ericsson, Senior Lecturer in Emergency Care at Arcada, who has received recognition as an influential actor in healthcare in the category of Educational Developer – an award given to individuals who promote continuous learning and the development of medical education.

At Arcada, Ericsson also serves as the program director for the Master’s program Emergency Care Systems Development and Leadership and as an educator in several continuing professional development courses.

Psychological safety as the foundation for learning and patient safety

In his work, Ericsson has particularly highlighted the importance of psychological safety and non-technical skills in health and social care education. The recognition provides an opportunity to highlight the value of these competencies, which are crucial for both patient safety and staff well-being. Psychological safety – the feeling that one can express uncertainty, put forward innovative ideas, and even admit mistakes without risking social judgment – is a key factor in well-functioning teams. When such safety is present, both innovation and productivity increase, while patient safety within care teams is strengthened.

– Psychological safety contributes to better workplace well-being among staff, which in turn creates more sustainable and effective work environments. Without psychological safety, both staff and patients are harmed. Therefore, non-technical skills are central to mastering today’s increasingly complex healthcare work, where we collaborate with diverse people in interprofessional teams, says Ericsson.

Dare to Learn, Question, and Grow

There are several reasons why Arcada’s healthcare programs are highly valued in the workplace. Christoffer Ericsson argues that a significant factor is that our teachers at Arcada create psychological safety, while at the same time providing challenges for our students and course participants, both in the classroom and in simulations. In smaller groups, it is also easier to question, learn, and admit mistakes. This makes our students more confident in their roles and work practices, which contributes to making healthcare increasingly safer and more sustainable in the future.

– You do not need to know everything after graduation, or even after several years of professional experience. It is the willingness to continue developing and learning that is your greatest strength for a sustainable and safe future, says Ericsson.

You don’t need to know everything after graduation, or even after several years of professional experience. It is the willingness to keep developing and learning that is your greatest strength for a sustainable and safe future.

He encourages reflecting on what a psychologically safe work environment means for you – it is often where you thrive and develop best.

– By becoming aware of your own role, you can also contribute to creating psychological safety within the team, both for colleagues and for those who are new to the profession, Ericsson notes.

Lifelong Learning

Continuous learning is crucial for the future of healthcare, as skills need to be developed throughout one’s professional life. For learning to be possible, a psychologically safe environment is required – one where people dare to ask questions, try new approaches, and acknowledge gaps in their knowledge. Arcada supports this by offering a wide range of education in health and care, including short courses and master’s programs that meet the current needs of the workforce. 

The application period for Arcada’s English Master’s programs, including Emergency Care Systems Development and Leadership, is open from January 7 to 21, 2026.