Implementation of a Simulation-based Interprofessional Patient Safety Program

Problem: Despite mandatory biannual patient-safety training at hospitals in Japan, medical adverse events continue to increase. However, many such events are preventable through adherence to standard practices of safe patient care. Context: A lecture-based educational approach is inadequate to develop patient-safety competency in clinical educators or clinicians. Participation in simulation-based interprofessional patient-safety training programs can enhance knowledge, skills, and attitudes to promote patient safety culture and enhance patient outcomes. Interventions: An evidence-based train-the trainer-patient safety program was conducted using simulation for interprofessional healthcare educators to serve as safety champions. Measures: Three outcome and three process measures geared toward self-evaluation and reflection were used to assess achievement of specific aims. Results: Seventy-seven percent of participants completed the program. Eighty nine percent conducted their own patient-safety training sessions within six months. Participants reported their levels of satisfaction with knowledge, skills, and confidence gained at 85% of higher. Conclusion: Simulation-based patient safety training for interprofessional healthcare educators has the potential to bridge the gap between the lack of patient safety education and clinical practices necessary to reduce patient adverse events during hospitalization