Improving Provider Competency to Enhance Safety in Dermal Filler Procedures: A QSEN and Benner-Guided Program.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Quality Improvement
• Aesthetic Medicine

Background:

• Aesthetic nursing's rapid growth lacks standardized training, increasing adverse event (AE) risks.
• Dermal filler complications range from minor issues to severe vascular compromise.
• Ensuring provider competency is crucial for patient safety in aesthetic procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To reduce dermal filler AEs by implementing an evidence-based competency assessment program.
• To enhance patient safety through standardized evaluation of provider knowledge, skills, and attitudes (KSAs).
• To integrate the Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN) framework with Benner's Novice to Expert model.

Main Methods:

• Developed three assessment tools: knowledge self-assessment, skills checklist, and competency assessment.
• Integrated QSEN KSAs with Benner's competency progression for aesthetic providers.
• Collected 16 months of data (6 pre-intervention, 4 implementation, 6 post-intervention) across two clinical sites with 10 injectors.

Main Results:

• Total AEs decreased by 65% (97 to 34 events).
• Serious vascular events reduced from four to zero.
• Implementation cost ($5,000) yielded estimated savings over $12,000 within 6 months.

Conclusions:

• A structured competency program using QSEN and Benner's framework significantly improves injection safety.
• The model effectively reduces complications and is replicable in various aesthetic settings.
• This approach supports provider development and enhances patient safety in elective procedures.