Developing an integrated curriculum for patient safety in an undergraduate nursing program: a case study

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Patient Safety
• Curriculum Development

Background:

• Effective nursing education requires integrating patient safety knowledge, skills, and attitudes early in practical training.
• An integrated curriculum linking theory and practice is crucial for improving patient safety competencies and nursing care quality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an integrated nursing curriculum incorporating patient safety factors.
• To enhance patient safety competencies among nursing students through curriculum reform.

Main Methods:

• A case study approach was used to develop the integrated curriculum.
• A four-step process involved literature review, syllabus analysis, course selection, and evaluation tool development.
• Patient safety components, including quality improvement, were integrated into an existing outcome-based curriculum.

Main Results:

• The integrated curriculum covers six key patient safety topics: principles, teamwork, communication, engagement, risk management, and quality improvement, plus International Patient Safety Goals.
• Patient safety topics were incorporated into seven courses (four theoretical, three practical) across different academic levels.
• A Patient Safety Competency self-assessment checklist was created to facilitate skill acquisition in clinical settings.

Conclusions:

• Patient safety education must be integrated throughout the nursing curriculum, encompassing both theoretical and practical components.
• Continuity and sequence in educational principles are essential for effective patient safety training.