Simulation-based training: the missing link to lastingly improved safety and health?

Source: Postgraduate Medical Journal [Epub ahead of print]

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Date of publication: February 2016

Publication type:  Journal article

In a nutshell:  Medical education has traditionally relied on on-the-job training. However, the often used ‘see one, do one, teach one’ approach may be detrimental to patient safety and health, as it exposes patients to inexperienced healthcare practitioners. In an effort to reduce human errors and improve operational safety, simulation-based training (SBT) has been recognised as an effective methodology.

Contents of SBT include conceptual understanding, technical skills, decision-making skills, and attitudes and behaviours summarised as teamwork. Thus, theoretical advantages of SBT over traditional educational methodologies are manifold. This article reviews available evidence about the effectiveness of SBT of technical and non-technical skills with regard to improvements in medical care, patient safety and health.

Length of publication:  3 pages

Some important notes:  Please contact your local NHS Library for the full text of the article. Follow this link to find your local NHS Library

Patient safety: threats and solutions

Source:  Nursing Standard vol/iss 27/44 pp. 48-55

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Date of publication:  July 2013

Publication type:  Journal article

In a nutshell:  The issues surrounding patient safety are explored in this article, including the language associated with harm and error. The authors discuss the types of patient safety incidents that can occur and they provide insights into why these incidents can occur and explain some of the underlying factors. Preventive strategies and the role of patients and family members in enhancing safety are discussed.

Length of Publication:  8 pages

Some important notes:  Please contact your local NHS Library for the full text of the article. Follow this link to find your local NHS Library.

Errors as allies: error management training in health professions education.

Source:  BMJ Qual Saf doi:10.1136/bmjqs-2012-000945

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Date of publication:  January 2013

Publication type:  Journal article

In a nutshell:  The authors look at approaches from organisational team training literature to outline how patient safety can be improved by health professions education. They state that health educators can improve training quality by intentionally encouraging errors during simulation-based team training. An innovative approach for delivering team training is defined.

Length of Publication:  5 pages

Some important notes:  Please contact your local NHS Library for the full text of the article. Follow this link to find your local NHS Library.

Understanding patient safety culture, part 1.

Source: J Perianesthesia Nursing Volume 26 Issue 3 pp170-2

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Date of publication: June 2011

Publication type: Journal Article

In a nutshell: This is the first in a series exploring factors influencing patient safety in healthcare. The impact of the working environment on nurses’ perceptions of patient safety and the concept of a culture of patient safety are discussed.

Length of publication: 3 pages

Some important notes: Please contact your local NHS Library for the full text of the article. Follow this link to find your local NHS Library

Acknowledgement: British Nursing Index Database from NHS Evidence

Creating safety by strengthening clinicians’ capacity for reflexivity

Source: BMJ Quality & Safety  Volume 20 Issue 4 pp83-86

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Date of publication: April 2011

Publication type: Journal Article

In a nutshell: The article looks at two techniques which will help clinicians look reflectively at what they do to highlight areas of where a change of practice can improve safety.  These two techniques include filming real-time clinical practice and asking clinician’s feedback on their own footage, and reflection on the questions asked by patients, carers and family.

Length of publication: 3 pages

Some important notes: This article is available in full text to all NHS Staff using Athens, for more information about accessing full text follow this link to find your local NHS Library

Acknowledgement: NHS Institute Alert from the NHS Institute of Innovation and Improvement

Can teaching medical students to investigate medication errors change their attitudes towards patient safety?

Source: BMJ Quality & Safety  2011;20:319-325

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Date of publication: February 2011

Publication type: Journal Article

In a nutshell: This article considers if giving medical students a basic knowledge of common medication errors before they start to see patients in hospital can reduce the chance of them making mistakes. The study was  carried out during a paediatric rotation at the Johns Hopkins Children’s Center.

Length of publication: 8 pages

Some important notes: This article is available in full text to all NHS Staff using Athens, for more information about accessing full text follow this link to find your local NHS Library

Acknowledgement: The British Journal of Healthcare Computing & Information Management

Safer Clinical Systems team shortlisted for a Patient Safety Award

Source: The Health Foundation

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Date of publication: February 2011

Publication type: News item

In a nutshell: This news item highlights the results, by one Trust, of the Safer Clinical Systems programme run by The Health Foundation.  The programme focusses on ensuring that all necessary and relevant information is added to patient records accurately and in a timely fashion.  The Trust, NHS Lothian in Scotland, found that by implementing the programme they were able to reduce inaccurate records by 80% in 18 months. 

Length of publication: 1 web page

Detecting harm following paracetemol overdose – Signal

Source: National Reporting and Learning Service

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Date of publication: October 2010

Publication type: Signal

In a nutshell: This is a notification of the key risks involved when patients have been given an overdose of paracetemol.  It looks at reducing the risk of harm to these patients.

Length of publication: 1 webpage

Some important notes: All signal reports are available from the NPSA website.

Acknowledgement: National Patient Safety Agency

Engaging patients as vigilant partners in safety: a systematic review

Source:  Medical Care Research and Review.  Vol 67(2)  pp 119-149

Date of publication:  April 2010

Publication type:  Systematic Review

In a nutshell:  The article is a systematic review which looks a the feasibility and effectivess of the initiatives being used to prevent errors by promoting patient involvement .   21 studies were used in this review as they fulfilled the inclusion criteria used.

The study looks at the feasibility and effectiveness of the initiatives being used to prevent errors by promoting patient involvement. The results indicate that patients display positive attitudes towards engaging in their safety but their level of involvement varies. The perceived effectiveness of actions, self-efficacy, behavioural control beliefs, prevention of incidents are key issues for patients’ intenting to engage in their safety.

Length of publication:  29 pages

Some important notes:  Please contact your local NHS Library for the full text of the article.  Follow this link to find your local NHS Library.

Acknowledgements:  EMBASE