Nursing education: a catalyst for the patient safety movement

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Systems
• Patient Safety
• Nursing Education

Background:

• Creating a culture of safety is a primary goal for healthcare leaders.
• Leadership commitment at the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology (SIAST) Nursing Division fostered a shift towards a systems approach to patient safety.
• The Patient Safety Project Team (PSPT) was established to drive this cultural transformation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the practical approaches and initiatives undertaken by the PSPT.
• To describe the integration of Patient Safety Core Curriculum modules for competency development.
• To outline policies for reporting adverse events and near misses, and discuss student-focused reporting tools.

Main Methods:

• Review of practical approaches and initiatives by the PSPT.
• Integration of Patient Safety Core Curriculum modules.
• Development and implementation of a policy for reporting adverse events and near misses.
• Introduction of a student-focused reporting tool for adverse events and near misses.

Main Results:

• A steady shift in organizational culture towards a systems approach to patient safety.
• Development of competencies in graduates necessary for diligent practice and root cause analysis of errors.
• Discussion of implications for teaching in clinical settings and faculty engagement processes.

Conclusions:

• The educational system is crucial for initiating a cultural shift towards patient safety.
• Modifications in curricula, multidisciplinary processes, and critical inquiry are essential.
• Graduates equipped with patient safety competencies will lead future healthcare culture strengthening.