Piloting and evaluating feasibility of a training program to improve patient safety for inter-professional inpatient care teams - study protocol of a cluster randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background: Improving patient safety is a major goal in healthcare systems worldwide. There are several international training programs to improve patient safety, but they are often focused on single topics and professions. Therefore, one inter-professional training program for inpatient care teams, which combines key areas of patient safety (Teamwork, Error management and Patient involvement), was developed by our research group. In the present study we aim to (1) pilot this training program by comparing two different training formats (e-learning only versus blended learning) with a waiting control group and (2) evaluate the feasibility of the intervention. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: (1) To pilot the intervention a cluster randomized controlled trial will be performed at three study sites. Therefore, an e-learning group and a blended learning group will be compared to a waiting control group at three points of assessment; (2) The feasibility of the intervention will be evaluated using qualitative methods. We will conduct problem-focused individual interviews as part of the post-intervention measurement in order to collect information on acceptance, implementation, promoting factors and barriers from the staffs' perspective.

Discussion: The study puts forth a training program which has the potential to improve patient safety in inpatient care. Members of inter-professional inpatient care teams can receive systematic training in three competencies which are central to patient safety management. Thus, we expect the greatest improvement in staff Safety-related behavior regarding Teamwork, Error management and Patient involvement as well as Subjectively perceived patient safety in the blended learning group. In addition, the development of an optimal implementation strategy can foster implementation of the intervention in healthcare practice. Consequently, the intervention could be used continuously and comprehensively for advanced training of hospital staff.

Trial registration: The study has been registered in the German Register of Clinical Trials ( DRKS-ID: DRKS00012818 ). Registered on August 8, 2017.

Keywords: Cluster randomized controlled trial; E-learning; Error management; Evaluation; In-person training; Inpatient care; Inter-professional teamwork; Patient involvement; Patient safety.

Fig. 1

Study process. IG1 intervention group 1, IG2 intervention group 2, WCG waiting control group

Fig. 2

Overview over the submodules

Fig. 3

Schedule of enrolment, interventions and assessments (as per Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for Interventional Trials (SPIRIT) Figure [63])