Outline:

Section 1: Introduction A. About This Course B. Learning Objectives 

Section 2: Understanding Medical Errors A. Significance and Scope B. A Focus on Medical Errors C. The Joint Commission D. Definition E. Types of Errors F. Moral Errors G. Patient Safety Events H. Adverse Events I. Types of Preventable Adverse Events J. Sentinel Events K. Joint Commission List of Sentinel Events L. Review M.Summary

Section 3: Reporting Requirements A. Reporting Medical Errors B. What is Your Responsibility? C. Reporting Requirement from the Joint Commission D. State Reporting E. State Reporting Requirements F. Medication Error Reporting G. Plan Ahead H. Don't Shift Blame I. Appropriately Apologize J. Practice K. Review L. Summary

Section 4: Root Cause Analysis A. Why Root Cause Analysis? B. Definition of RCA C. Core Features of RCA D. Improved Outcomes E. 5 Whys F. Fishbone Diagram G. Common Root Causes of Medical Errors H. Communication I. Information Flow J. Human Errors K. Patient Issues L. Training M. Staffing N. Malfunctions O. Outdated Policies and Procedures P. Resistance to RCA Q. Review R. Summary

Section 5: Preventing Medical Errors A. Perceptions About Cause B. Systems Contribute to Errors C. Vulnerable Populations D. Transitions in Care E. National Patient Safety Goals F. Medication Reconciliation G. Goal: Reduce the Risk of Harm Resulting from Falls H. Goal: Identify Safety Risks Related to Oxygen Therapy I. Goal: Reduce the Risk of Healthcare Associated Infections J. Goal: Follow Evidence Based Guidelines for Urinary Catheters K. Goal: Improve Communication L. Goal: Suicide Prevention M. Goal: Improve the Accuracy of Identification N. The Push for Electronic Medical Records O. Review P. Summary

Section 6: Medication Errors A. Medication Errors B. Dangerous Medications C. Prescribing Errors D. Recommendations to Avoid Prescribing Errors E. Verbal Orders F. Verbal Order Policies G. Elements of a Verbal Order H. Receiving a Verbal Order I. CPOE J. Medication Rights K. Administration of Medications L. Calculation Errors M. Concentration Errors N. Intravenous Infusion Errors O. Environmental Errors P. Omission and Dispensing Errors Q. Review R. Summary

Section 7: Educating to Prevent Medical Errors A. Take an Active Role B. Medicines C. Organizations and Providers D. Surgery E. Taking Control of Care F. Review G. Summary

Section 8: Conclusion A. Summary B. Course Contributor C. References D. Exam 

 

Elizabeth Kellerman MSN, RN started in nursing in 2007 after graduating from Samuel Merritt University in Oakland, California. While working in a critical care unit at Sutter Mills-Peninsula Hospital she earned her CCRN and TNCC. Her experience and knowledge led her to nursing education where she taught at a community college while working to receive her Master's in Nurse Education at Western Carolina University. As a nursing instructor, she spent time in many types of care settings including medical-surgical inpatient and community living centers. Her passion for education and training has most recently led her to a position as subject matter expert and content writer for Relias. Disclosure: Elizabeth Kellerman, MSN, RN has declared that no conflict of interest, Relevant Financial Relationship or Relevant Non-Financial Relationship exists.