309.730.81 PATIENT SAFETY AND MEDICAL ERRORS

Provides an introduction to the science of safety, and how it relates to problems with patient safety in health care. Explains the role of both individuals and systems in improving patient safety. Reviews institutional responses to adverse events, including the topics of risk management and medical malpractice. Emphasizes the importance of communication and teamwork. Students learn the basics of conducting an incident investigation, gain an understanding of the advantages and limitations of error reporting, learn how to disclose errors and adverse events, and learn models for improving safety in hospitals and other health care organizations from both the micro and macro points of view.

After completion of this course, you should be able to do the following: Recognize the extent of problems in patient safety in medical care Describe the role of various systems and factors in creating safety and in causing errors and adverse events Discuss problems and issues in measuring and reporting safety Demonstrate knowledge of the basics of conducting an incident investigation and disclosing an adverse event Explore solutions to improve patient safety