Training and action for patient safety: embedding interprofessional education for patient safety within an improvement methodology.
BACKGROUND
Despite an explosion of interest in improving safety and reducing error in health care, one important aspect of patient safety that has received little attention is a systematic approach to education and training for the whole health care workforce. This article describes an evaluation of an innovative multiprofessional, team-based training program that embeds patient safety within quality improvement methods.


METHODS
Kirkpatrick's "levels of evaluation" model was adopted to evaluate the program in health organizations across one city in the north of England. Questionnaires were used to assess reaction of participants to the program (Level 1). Improvements in patient safety knowledge and patient safety culture (Level 2) were assessed using a 12-item multiple-choice questionnaire and a culture questionnaire. Interviews and project-specific quantitative measurements were used to assess changes in professional practice and patient outcomes (Levels 3 and 4).


RESULTS
All aspects of the program were positively received by participants. Few participants completed the MCQ at both time points, but those who did showed improvement in knowledge. There were some small but significant improvements in patient safety culture. Interviews revealed a number of additional benefits beyond the specific problems addressed. Most importantly, 8 of the 11 teams showed improvements in patient safety practices and/or outcomes.


CONCLUSIONS
This program is an example of interprofessional education in practice and demonstrates that team-based learning using quality improvement methods is feasible and can be effective in improving patient safety, but requires time and space for participants. Alignment with continuing education arrangements could support mainstream adoption of this approach within organizations.
Bradford Institute for Health Research, UK. Beverley.slater@bthft.nhs.uk
Beverley L
BL
Slater
Rebecca
R
Lawton
Gerry
G
Armitage
John
J
Bibby
John
J
Wright
D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards; D004059:Diffusion of Innovation; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*; D004521:Educational Measurement; D004739:England; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D015279:Organizational Culture; D009937:Organizational Objectives; D009949:Orientation; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care / Q000379:methods; D010348:Patient Care Team; D061214:Patient Safety; D010820:Physicians / Q000523:psychology / Q000592:standards; D018794:Problem-Based Learning / Q000379:methods; D016730:Program Development / Q000191:economics; D015397:Program Evaluation; D036301:Qualitative Research; D058996:Quality Improvement; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires