Patient Safety: Developing and Evaluating a Workshop for Preclinical Students

Background

Patient safety is a core feature of undergraduate medical education, yet literature shows its implementation in curricula to be challenging and variable. Through the pilot and evaluation of an ‘Introduction to Patient Safety’ workshop, this project presents an initiative of how to address this curriculum challenge. Student-patient collaboration was championed in workshop design and delivery, addressing a regrettable lack of patient involvement to-date.

Approach

Workshop activities were designed to hold authentic patient voice as central and to encourage interactivity. Storytelling was used to build empathy with the range of individuals involved in patient safety. Additionally, a gameshow-inspired activity highlighted key ideas from our patient advisory group. Responding to evaluation, the session was adapted and delivered by student facilitators to a full cohort. Advice on how to act, should students observe a patient safety incident, was incorporated.

Evaluation

Evaluation was comprehensive and multi-faceted. Pilot workshop attendees participated in semi-structured interviews, with the transcripts thematically analysed. Additionally, both authors produced a written reflection, and their academic supervisor fed back on the session recording. After full-cohort delivery, questionnaire feedback was also collected; 88% of 117 respondents rated the session at least 4 out of 5 (5 = very good).

Implications

The workshop has since been integrated into Warwick Medical School's core curriculum. Designed and delivered by medical students, this project has shown the significant impact medical students can have in contributing meaningfully to undergraduate curriculum development. Medical students hold a unique position within healthcare settings to be powerful drivers of patient safety.