title: The EMPOWER project: an initiative to educate and mentor paraprofessional staff.
abstract: This column describes a new program designed to enhance patient safety by teaching paraprofessional staff (PPS) how to communicate changes in patient status to professional staff. Phase 1 of the project included assessment of PPS perceptions of the patient safety culture at the hospital through survey and focus group discussions. Results from Phase 1 and plans for Phase 2 are described.
authors.forename: Diane
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Twedell
authors.forename: Moreen
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Donahue
authors.forename: Lisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: Patricia
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Dykes
authors.forename: Joyce J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Fitzpatrick
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003142:Communication; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D008611:Mentors; D020380:Needs Assessment / Q000458:organization & administration*; D009728:Nursing Assistants / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology; D015279:Organizational Culture; D011209:Power, Psychological; D017751:Safety Management / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires