**5. Conclusion**

Sammer, Lykens ([106], p. 156) have identified what they call the seven subcultures of patient safety culture, *namely "(a) leadership, (b) teamwork,* 

*(c) evidence-based, (d) communication, (e) learning, (f) just, and (g) patient-centered."* In this chapter I have examined a new perspective on patient safety – that of the social epidemiology of patient safety - which addresses each of these elements. It also shows the professional strengths of social workers, and in particular on the leadership of social workers across services, systems and sectors, might help reduce harm done to patients, and in particular the most vulnerable.
