Enhancing Patient Safety in Pediatric Primary Care: Implementing a Patient Safety Curriculum

Abstract

Objective: We developed and implemented a patient safety (PS) curriculum targeted at clinicians and nonclinical office practice staff within a large primary care pediatric network.

Methods: Curricular content was informed by medical literature, local PS experts, and malpractice claims data. Sessions were centered on illustrative closed malpractice cases or informed by identified safety events. Participants provided subjective responses to the postsession evaluations.

Results: Invited participants from 12 practices included both clinical and nonclinical practice staff (up to 24 attendees per session). Participants reported that they were confident in their knowledge and skills. Several participants engaged in improvement projects that included active surveillance of high-risk patients, improvements in referral and test result management processes, and the distribution of patient educational materials.

Conclusions: We successfully developed and implemented a multifaceted PS curriculum for pediatric providers. Participants enjoyed the sessions and several engaged in new PS projects as a result of the program.

Keywords: continuing education; patient safety; pediatrics; primary care; quality improvement.