An interdisciplinary program for emerging leaders in patient safety

Area of Science:

• Healthcare education
• Patient safety research
• Interprofessional learning

Background:

• The Academy for Emerging Leaders in Patient Safety (AELPS) is an interprofessional immersive course.
• Previous findings indicated AELPS alters young clinicians' perspectives on patient safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the long-term career, collegial, and patient relationship impacts of the AELPS program.
• To evaluate the sustained influence of AELPS on patient safety practices.

Main Methods:

• A survey was administered to AELPS alumni from 2016-2019 (n=116).
• The survey assessed the perceived usefulness of AELPS in career progression, patient safety projects, communication, hierarchy, networking, and skill application.
• Data analysis included descriptive statistics and thematic analysis.

Main Results:

• A 56% response rate was achieved.
• Over 85% of respondents reported sustained improvements in medication safety knowledge, patient communication, assertiveness, and understanding patient perspectives.
• 67% felt AELPS influenced career choice, and 57% believed it aided in obtaining their current position.
• Key skills transferred included improvement initiatives and patient-centered care modeling, though hierarchical culture and accountability issues were noted as challenges.

Conclusions:

• Intensive, interdisciplinary patient safety programs like AELPS provide lasting tools for healthcare leaders.
• These programs enhance communication, patient advocacy, and understanding of patient perspectives, ultimately improving patient safety.