Patient Safety Planning Tools / Training
Create ample opportunities to learn about patient safety
- Include team exercises such as simulations.
- Check that all staff can describe processes the same way to make sure there is a shared understanding, especially after a process change.
- Encourage staff to take advantage of training opportunities. Many organizations offer continuing medical education credits for patient safety topics.
Use evidence-based patient safety training programs
- Training catalog: Database of patient safety training programs (AHRQ)
- Team Strategies and Tools to Enhance Performance and Patient Safety (STEPPS): Online training to strengthen collaboration and communication (AHRQ)
- Are You Safe? case studies: Case studies and resources to improve safety in ambulatory care (CRICO)
- Patient Safety and You: Tools and trainings for providers (Veteran Affairs)
Patient safety training is an ongoing process
- Encourage patients and families to talk to the patient safety coordinator about safety concerns (see Coordination for more)
- The Speak Up initiative has sample videos and brochures
- Show team members ways to keep safety on the agenda
- Encourage staff to bring attention to ‘near misses,’ adverse events, and ideas for improving patient and colleague safety. Consider organizing a daily or weekly huddle to discuss safety concerns.
- When considering operational changes, include all staff in brainstorming sessions about how the safety of care might be affected or improved. For example, could a revised method for checking out patients help clarify follow-up instructions?
This page was adapted from the Betsy Lehman Center's Patient Safety Navigator. Visit the Navigator website to learn more about analyzing adverse events, communicating in the aftermath of serious harm, and reporting medical errors to state and federal agencies.