Carolinas HealthCare System, Charlotte, NC
Certification Program in Patient Safety: Planning and Curriculum Design

Abstract

Background: The current and increasingly complex healthcare environment calls for greater attention to the achievement of quality, safe patient care. The best patient outcomes are a result of healthcare team members working collaboratively to make quality and safety a top priority. To help build a culture of safety and educate resident physicians, nurses, and advanced practitioners as engaged agents of change, we designed a 9-month interprofessional curriculum integrated within existing training programs.

Methods: The Carolinas HealthCare System (CHS) Certificate Program in Patient Safety was developed over 18 months. An invitation to join the program was provided to all CHS trainees in GME, nursing, and advanced clinical practice, as well as nursing teammates interested in career advancement in patient safety. Completion requirements included an average of 10 hours per month dedicated to the program, completion of relevant WHO patient safety modules, facilitation of small group teaching sessions, active participation in an interprofessional patient safety training triad patient safety team, and completion of a patient safety improvement plan modeled after an AHRQ case.

Results: Eight participants were recruited for the pilot program: 3 residents (Ob/Gyn, pediatrics, and neurosurgery), 2 nursing students, 2 nurses (a simulation center specialist and a patient safety educator), and an advanced care practitioner (trauma/surgical critical care). Because the program launched in March 2015 as a pilot, results will not be available until late 2015.

Conclusions: We have been inspired by the diversity of the group, the energy of these learners, and their excitement toward the program and becoming experts in patient safety.