About Patient Safety and Medical Errors

Provides an introduction to the science of safety, and how it relates to problems with patient safety in health care. Explains the role of both individuals and systems in improving patient safety. Reviews institutional responses to adverse events, including the topics of risk management and medical malpractice. Emphasizes the importance of communication and teamwork. Students learn the basics of conducting an incident investigation, gain an understanding of the advantages and limitations of error reporting, learn how to disclose errors and adverse events, and learn models for improving safety in hospitals and other health care organizations from both the micro and macro points of view. The course covers the following topics: Science of safety Errors and adverse events in health care Models of safety and change Culture of safety Detection and reporting of injuries and errors Investigative methods Disclosure of adverse events Improvements of clinical systems Policy interventions