Learn to be Safe – A Simulation Learning Experience

 The Institute is developing a patient safety Pre-Study Module and patient safety Case Simulations and a as part of a Simulation Project.  “Patient simulation is a key learning tool to provide healthcare providers and inter-professional teams with training on real life healthcare situations in simulated environments. It replicates real world situations without risk to actual patients, and can be used to teach procedures, medical concepts and decision-making skills. Patient simulation promotes teamwork, increased competence in patient care, and promotes patient safety”¹.

The Patient Safety Pre-Study Module will be used to prepare learners on the basic concepts of patient safety. The Module may be used in the following circumstances:

• pre-learning for Leader guided Case Simulations for:
  • Healthcare teams in undergraduate and post graduate health professions education;
  • Professional development opportunities conducted in health care settings for healthcare teams participating in continuing professional development opportunities; and,
• as an independent learning opportunity for practicing healthcare providers who are participating in continuing competency programs.

The patient safety Case Simulations will focus on the communication needed to lessen adverse events and critical incidents. Inter-professional collaboration and patient/family-centered care are priority concepts.  The Case Simulation development process will take into consideration current work underway in Canada and internationally, such as the Canadian Patient Safety Institute Safety (CPSI) Competencies, the National Inter-professional Competency Framework and patient safety curricula from national and international sources as available. The project is to be based on existing summaries and lessons learned from local, national and international sources. The intent is that the Case Simulations will be adopted and used by leaders with learners in multidisciplinary healthcare teams:

• in undergraduate and post graduate health professions education; and,
• participating in professional development opportunities in healthcare and other settings.

The Case Simulations are intended to be facilitated by Leaders. Case Simulations will be developed to allow for flexibility in meeting the needs of different learners and the time available for learning sessions.

This project will be underway through the 2010/2011 fiscal year.  Check back for updates.

 ¹ Patient Safety Matters, Canadian Patient Safety Institute. March,  2009 4(2).