Completion of all 8 modules will fulfill CC requirements for Patient Safety as stipulated by the American Board of Pathology (ABPath) and the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS):
Module 1: Epidemiology of Error
This introductory module provides an overview of several core Patient Safety concepts including common error types, communication issues, patient related issues and technical failures.
Module 2: System Thinking
This module covers system thinking and its effect on Patient Safety. Learners will explore concepts related to the core elements of the system, including providers, patients and support staff. In addition they will learn about the multiple layers of the health care system.
Module 3: Human Factors
The relationship between humans, tools and their environment and how they all relate to Patient Safety are explored in this module. Human factor interventions that can improve Patient Safety will also be presented.
Module 4: Safety Enhancing Technology
This module will illustrate the use of technology to mitigate the effects of error as well as the unintended consequences of technology use.
Module 5: Communication
As vital as communication can be, it can also be fraught with potential errors. The role of communication and its impact on Patient Safety will be covered. Case studies related to inter-staff communications, strategies for care transition and the disclosure of adverse events will be covered in this module.
Module 6: Culture of Safety
The beliefs, attitudes and values that contribute to a culture of safety will be explored here. Using case studies, these topics, as well as creating a learning culture to promote Patient Safety will be examined.
Module 7: Methods & Tools for Evaluating Safety Events
How can Patient Safety be measured? A variety of measurement tools will be explored in this module to illustrate how you can assess and evaluate risk and adverse events in your organization.
Module 8: Quality Improvement
The goal of this module is to highlight and emphasize the importance of an effective Quality Improvement Plan in improving patient safety and performance in a laboratory setting. Participants will learn how to determine methods for measuring Quality Improvement and review a case study of a Quality Improvement process.
Intended Audience
Diplomats of the American Board of Pathology enrolled in the Continuing Certification (CC-formerly MOC) program must complete a patient safety self-assessment program a minimum of once per CC cycle. The ASCP Patient Safety Course has been approved by the American Board of Pathology to meet this CC Part II requirement. The course is also beneficial to anyone attempting to enhance their knowledge in the practice of patient safety, including all Pathologists, Pathology Residents, and Laboratory Professionals.