Development and evaluation of a required patient safety course

Am J Pharm Educ. 2008 Jun 15;72(3):65. doi: 10.5688/aj720365.

Abstract

Objectives: To develop, implement, and assess a required patient safety course for second-year doctor of pharmacy students.

Design: A patient safety course was developed that included didactic lectures, case studies, in-class activities, and reading assignments. Written examinations and essays were used to evaluate student learning. In addition, a modified minute paper and a pre- and post-intervention student self-assessment survey were used to assess course outcomes.

Assessment: Results examining the utility of the course teaching format and the relevance of the material in meeting the course outcomes are presented and discussed. The self-assessment course survey indicated major improvements in the students' knowledge and skills, readiness for knowledge application, and commitment to improve patient safety.

Conclusion: The course provided pharmacy students with an increased level of understanding of the principles and concepts of patient safety.

Keywords: medical errors; medication errors; patient safety.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Attitude of Health Personnel*
  • Clinical Competence
  • Comprehension
  • Consumer Product Safety*
  • Curriculum
  • Education, Pharmacy, Graduate*
  • Educational Measurement
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Humans
  • Learning
  • Medication Errors / prevention & control*
  • Program Development
  • Program Evaluation
  • Self-Assessment
  • Students, Pharmacy*