Royal College and Canadian Patient Safety Institute - Launch Road Map for Medical Educators to Ensure Patient Safety
The Royal College of Physicians and
Surgeons of Canada and the Canadian Patient Safety Institute today introduced
the first-ever framework of inter-professional patient safety competencies.
Given the complexity of the health system and the diversity of the health care
workforce, the timing of the framework is right to advance patient safety
education curricula, continuing professional development and ultimately better
patient care.
"We saw a need for a comprehensive, widely accepted patient safety
competencies framework that could be incorporated into educational programs
and professional development activities for all health professionals in
Canada," says Philip Hassen, Chief Executive Officer, the Canadian Patient
Safety Institute (CPSI). "We know this will be an important contribution
towards achieving a safer health care system for Canadians."
This important work was spearheaded by CPSI's Advisory Committee on
Education and Professional Development, and involved an inter-professional
team of educators, co-chaired by expert physicians from the Royal College. As
part of CPSI's mandate, they will undertake a dissemination strategy to
familiarize health professionals with the Safety Competencies framework.
"What we have produced together will change the future of medical
education. By planting the seeds of patient safety early in a physician's
career, we can make our health care system safer for patients,'' adds Dr.
Andrew Padmos, Royal College CEO. "The College is proud to have been a partner
in developing such a practical and necessary tool."
The Safety Competencies were produced in collaboration with The Royal
College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada to develop a unique set of core
competency domains:
- Contribute to a Culture of Patient Safety
A commitment to applying core patient safety knowledge, skills and
attitudes to everyday work.
- Work in Teams for Patient Safety
Working within inter-professional teams to optimize both patient safety
and quality of care.
- Communicate Effectively for Patient Safety
Promoting patient safety through effective health care communication.
- Manage Safety Risks
Anticipating, recognizing and managing situations that place patients
at risk.
- Optimize Human and Environmental Factors
Managing the relationship between individual and environmental
characteristics to optimize patient safety.
- Recognize, Respond to and Disclose Adverse Events
Recognizing the occurrence of an adverse event or close call and
responding effectively to mitigate harm to the patient, ensure
disclosure, and prevent recurrence.
About the Canadian Patient Safety Institute
The Canadian Patient Safety Institute was established in 2003 as an
independent not-for-profit corporation, operating collaboratively with health
professionals and organizations, regulatory bodies and governments to build
and advance a safer healthcare system for Canadians. CPSI performs a
coordinating and leadership role across health sectors and systems, promotes
leading practices and raises awareness about patient safety by working in
collaboration with partners, patients, their families and the general public.
For more information about CPSI www.patientsafetyinstitute.ca and the
Safety Competencies www.safetycomp.ca
About the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada is the national,
not-for-profit organization that oversees the medical education of specialists
in Canada by setting high standards for postgraduate medical education and
continuing professional development. In collaboration with health
organizations and government agencies, the Royal College also plays a role in
developing sound health policy in Canada.
For more information about the Royal College visit www.rcpsc.medical.org
